Trains return to Leek, Heres your chance to travel to Leek by train

New years eve marked the realisation of dreams and aspirations as the first heritage train operated by The Churnet Valley Railway (1992 ) PLC steamed into the new temporary terminus at Leek Station. .

Departing from Froghall slightly later than the scheduled time of 1330, the train was ceremoniously flagged off by Stephen Turner, current chairman of neighbouring railway, Foxfield Railway and a former H M Principal Inspector of Railways until his recent retirement.

This historic moment was only made possible by grant support from the European Agricultural Regional Development Fund (EARDF), The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Bamford Charitable Trust, The Headley Trust, The North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Limited and numerous private donations.

In 2019, a significant portion of the cost of rebuilding the railway to Leek was awarded to us by means of the EARDF scheme. Administered locally in Crewe through the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), this grant played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life.

A spokesperson for the Churnet Valley Railway said

"The Churnet Valley Railway would like to express its profound gratitude to the RPA officers who collaborated tirelessly with us, persevering through countless challenges to see this vision realised. Their unwavering determination matched that of the volunteers of the Railway."

The culmination of these efforts was celebrated by 400 invited guests who embarked on the first historic journey from Froghall to Leek. In addition to reinstating the line to Leek, where the new station will ultimately be constructed, the project also restored the missing side of the railway’s triangle—making it the only original triangle on a heritage railway in the UK.

This moment is a testament to the power of collaboration, determination, and shared passion for preserving our railway heritage for future generations to see and experience.

Starting in February 2025, the railway will be operating Heritage Open Days programme which will allow members of the public to travel on this new piece of railway,  undertake a guided tour of the Leek Station site, take a trip around the triangle, and also have a guided tour around the railway workshops at Cheddleton.