Visitors to Eskdale will be able to welcome steam trails from the La’al Ratty Railway as the attraction prepares for a long-awaited reopening.

Bosses at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway said they had experienced 'a strange year full of twists and turns' much like the railway itself.

About the prospect of reopening, Lisa Braithwaite, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway attractions marketing manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking passengers on this lovely journey once again.

"People will love to see it operating again as well as coming onboard. The area isn’t quite the same without it. We can’t wait to be reopen.”

The La’al Ratty Railway experience has been closed to visitors since December, the last time was when they had the clearance to run their annual Santa Express Trains through the wintery countryside.

Now, the attraction is looking to reopen on April 27.

Lisa, said: “We have plenty of restrictions in place and social distancing measures.

"We are making sure we are as safe as possible for our visitors and staff. Everyone has to pre-book a seat, all the carriages are divided into covid-safe compartments and the feedback we have received has been tremendously positive.”

Lisa further explained that the closing of the railway has been positive despite the initial challenges.

The railway has been able to take some time to improve its trains and service, wanting to make sure that passengers have the best possible experience, with new carriages being delivered soon.

La’al Ratty will not call at any of the intermediate stations on its journey as per the guidelines but Lisa is happy to be reintroducing the full experience when they can.