This year, the Wensleydale Railway is continuing its popular discount scheme that allows local residents to enjoy a 25% discount all year round for travel on the railway.

Anyone who lives in postcodes DL6 to DL11 inclusive, YO7, and HG4 can benefit from the discount, by simply showing proof of postcode, such as a driver’s licence or utility bill, at the ticket office when they book their ticket.

As well as its normal services, the railway has a number of special events coming up, starting with a Jazz Train to raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity on Saturday, 17th June.

The Jazz Train will depart from Leeming Bar, and the fun will start at 7 pm with music and dancing on the platform, before the train leaves at 7.30 pm for a round trip to Leyburn with a band playing on the train, and continue after arrival at Leyburn.

Until the end of October, a special Gin Train will allow passengers to enjoy a range of gins.

The special Gin Train will run on Saturday afternoons on 8th July, 2nd September, 16th September, 7th October and 28th October.

The railway is also once again running its popular driver experience days on most Thursdays throughout until the end of October, except during August, with three time slots available each day starting at 09:00, 11:30, and 14:00.

Aspiring drivers can choose one of four different heritage diesel locomotives and will get the chance to drive a train the nine miles between Bedale and Leyburn.

For further information about the railway and to book tickets, go to https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/running-days-2023/

Nick Keegan, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Wensleydale Railway said: “We have been operating our local residents’ discount scheme for over 10 years and recognise that now, more than ever, value for money is very important to our customers.”

“It’s human nature to often under-appreciate what is right on your own doorstep, in favour of travelling further afield for days out. With our local residents’ discount and kids for a quid travel offer, a visit to our volunteer-led community railway is a superb value day out in the Yorkshire Dales for the whole family.”