It has been full steam ahead for a heritage railway in the heart of Norfolk as it gears up to reopen its line fully in 2024. 

The Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) runs between Dereham and Wymondham, but in February this year it was announced that trains were unable to run to the latter location until further notice. 

This was due to an inspection that revealed deterioration on the track at Crownthorpe Bridge, near Wymondham.

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Eastern Daily Press: The new Garvestone crossing on the MNR The new Garvestone crossing on the MNR (Image: MNR)

However, thanks to more than £40,000 of donations through the Back on Track appeal combined with other general railway funds, the replacement works are due to be completed by summer 2024. 

Before this work could commence, the Permanent Way (PW) Department completed the relaying of the level crossing at Garvestone.

This meant trains could run from Dereham to Thuxton, ready for its Polar Express festive train.

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The MNR has also just signed a contract to run a franchise of the Polar Express for the next seven years and the PW Department has extended Platform 2/3 at Dereham too. 

Eastern Daily Press: The platform extension at Dereham with the Polar Express waiting for the start of the the runThe platform extension at Dereham with the Polar Express waiting for the start of the the run (Image: Fred Chapman MNR)

There have been new events introduced in 2023, such as the Dino Trains, and the railway has bought a Mk 1 duel-braked BFK coach E14023.

It has also received a Class 03 Diesel Shunter D2063/03063 as a gift from the late Paul Mobbs.

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The work of the Signal and Telegraph Department to resignal the line from Dereham south to Wymondham continues to make good progress. 

As part of this development, the Trust Council has appointed Mark Collinson as the new full-time operations manager. 

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Watts, the new chairman of the MNR Preservation TrustGraham Watts, the new chairman of the MNR Preservation Trust (Image: MNR)

Graham Watts, the new chairman of the MNR Preservation Trust, said: “Of course not running to Wymondham this year has been disappointing, but despite that the railway is making progress.

"Everyone is looking forward to Polar Express and we intend to run a full programme of events next year for the first time since 2019."

You can still donate to the Back on Track Appeal at midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/emergencyappeal