THE Eden Valley Railway Trust is acquiring the former railway station at Kirkby Stephen East to begin phase two of long-standing plans to reopen the railway between Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.

The station was being held in trust by Stainmore Properties Ltd until the railway group was in a position to take over the site, and negotiations between the two parties have now begun.

After the takeover work will begin on the continued restoration of the building, and several local firms have offered support.

Trustee Roger Hercock said: "Most of the trust's efforts have been concentrated on the Appleby to Warcop section of the line but, following the completion of negotiations for purchase of the line, we are now turning our attention to phase two and Kirkby Stephen East.

We are already developing some exciting plans for the old station which will be of benefit to the local community, particularly the young people of the Kirkby Stephen area."