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The World's Oldest Railway

At 300 years old, Tanfield in Gateshead is the world鈥檚 oldest railway. To celebrate, volunteers are working against the clock to restore engines and create their biggest event yet.

At 300 years old, Tanfield in the north east of England is the oldest railway in the world. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteer rail enthusiasts, what could have been a forgotten relic has instead become a thriving monument to the region鈥檚 industrial past and a showcase of the impact the region once had on the world.

Now the railway community who saved it is preparing for a fitting celebration. They鈥檙e working against the clock to complete specially restored engines, pass down heritage skills to the younger generations and create a moment in history with their biggest event yet.

We meet young train enthusiasts Sophie, Dave and Tom as they keep the railway going, alongside Peter and Bob who restored the railway in the 1970s.

With six steam engines and the oldest locomotive in the UK visiting the railway, along with 500 guests, it鈥檚 a logistical challenge. There are just a few weeks to go until the big event. Will the restoration projects be finished in time?

11 months left to watch

29 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Victoria Holden
Editor Edmund Saunders
Production Company Chalk Productions

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