A POPULAR Cumbrian railway line has been forced to extend its closure following a landslide.

Extreme weather at the weekend caused a landslide which damaged the tracks on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and a team were deployed to help fix the damage.

The team initially hoped they would be able to get the line back up and running by the weekend, but have confirmed they will not be able to re-open it until October 16.

The landslide caused almost 150 meters of damage along the heritage line.

This line is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, and is known affectionately as La’al Ratty.

It was more than 100 years ago, in April 1913, that the original 3ft line closed and in 1915 the new 15in La’al Ratty was born.

Heritage steam engines transport passengers from Ravenglass, the only coastal village located in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Lake District National Park and Frontiers of the Roman Empire Hadrian's Wall, to Dalegarth for Boot some 210ft above sea level.

A spokesman for Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway said: "Our teams have now accessed the damage caused by the landslip over the weekend and have been busy sourcing materials needed to repair and replace some of the track.

"Unfortunately disruption to supply chains for some of the parts will delay our planned reopening this Saturday.

"We now aim to reopen on Saturday, October 16.

"Our Museum, cafes and shops at both Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations remain open for business.

"All ticket holders affected by this delayed reopening will be contacted by our office.

"Please do not call the Railway as lines are busy and we may be trying to reach you.

"Thank you to our customers for your patience and understanding.