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Four in steam at Wolds Easter gala

J72 0-6-0T No. 69023 Joem, a type of locomotive authentic to former LNER lines, will be joined by the Vintage Carriages Trust’s Manning Wardle 0-6-0T Sir Berkeley.

They will run alongside home-based Barclay 0-4-0ST No 1964 and Peckett 0-4-0ST No. 1749 Fulstow at the gala, which is supported by Heritage Railway.

Meanwhile, by the time of the gala, work will have begun on the railway’s southern extension towards Louth

Significant works are currently taking place around the area south of the engine shed, to allow for new track to be laid and a loco inspection pit to be constructed.

A large quantity of track and sleepers was donated by Associated British Ports which has enabled the project to move forward, following the opening of the northern extension to North Thoresby two years ago.

The railway, which occupies part of the GNR main line from Grimsby to Boston, has just completed its most successful year yet.

The number of visitors in 2011 increased by 43% over the previous year and bookings on Santa special trains were double the 2010 figure.

Spokesman Gordon Newton said: “We have made real progress on a number of fronts over the past 12 months” Gordon added. “Brown tourist signs are now in place which means people visiting the railway for the first time will be able to find us much easier.

The railway now has the right to display the English Red Rose following the latest Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme assessment carried out in 2011.

Ludborough station’s Steaming Kettle buffet also increased its takings significantly during the year and received a five-star rating for the quality of its hygiene, food and service.

A souvenir book on the history of the line, written by local railway author A J Ludlam, has been published and is on sale in the station shop and on the railway website.