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Campaign to save railway backed by train buffs

Emma Baugh/BBC Platform with sign at Nene Valley RailwayEmma Baugh/BBC
The Nene Valley Railway's numbers have not recovered since the pandemic

A fundraising campaign launched to help save a heritage railway from closure has netted up to £20,000 in just two weeks.

The Nene Valley Railway (NVR), which has been running near Peterborough since the 1970s, is at risk of closure due to "unprecedented financial pressures".

NVR is campaigning to raise £300,000 to help with "stark financial challenges".

But now the charity has praised the "generosity" of its railway enthusiasts.

Emma Baugh/BBC Beware the trains sign beside railway trackEmma Baugh/BBC
The Nene Valley Railway is facing rising costs

The railway runs for 7.5 miles (12km) through the Cambridgeshire countryside from Peterborough Nene Valley station, through Orton Mere, Overton station, Wansford - and finishing at Yarwell Junction.

The charity says the appeal will help it to maintain "essential operations, carry out essential repairs and embark on vital infrastructure upgrades and restoration projects for the railway's long-term viability".

Emma Baugh/BBC Chairman standing in front of a locomotive Emma Baugh/BBC
Chairman Michael Purcell says a love of the industrial legacy has fuelled donations

Michael Purcell, the charity's chairman, praised those who have given their support.

"People have been most generous," he said.

"I think it comes from people's love of heritage railways and steam."

He said the pandemic had "devastated" the business and passenger numbers had not yet recovered.

The cost of coal had also risen from £100 a tonne to £400 a tonne, he said.

The railway at Wansford received a royal boost on Saturday with a visit from Duke of Gloucester.

He came to temporarily rename a Battle of Britain class steam locomotive to Royal Auxiliary Air Force, to honour reservists who served over the past 100 years.

Emma Baugh/BBC Platform at Wansford StationEmma Baugh/BBC
"Nene Valley Railway is not just a heritage attraction, but a symbol of our industrial heritage," the charity said

Nene Valley Railway said the railway offered visitors an immersive, unique journey through time, aboard "meticulously restored steam and diesel locomotives".

"Without immediate financial support there is a real risk that this valued local attraction and working museum could face closure, depriving future generations of the opportunity to experience its magic," the charity added.

But Mr Purcell said he had been heartened by the public response.

"I think it's down to nostalgia, people's love of our industrial legacy," he said.

"Those who love heritage railways have really been generous."

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