The Wensleydale Railway has received £50,000 in emergency funding from the National Lottery.
The Heritage Emergency Fund grant will be used to ensure railway survives the Covid-19 pandemic and will allow it to prepare for when it can reopen.
The line had previously warned it was facing an uncertain future after having to close because of the virus.
Supporters have already donated more than £40,000 to an emergency appeal which is being match funded by a benefactor.
The railway said in a statement issued last night: “The National Lottery Heritage Fund have awarded Wensleydale Railway a Heritage Emergency Fund grant of £50,000 to support us and our vital work at the heritage railway during Covid-19.
“It is only because of The National Lottery players across the country that we can continue our work.”
The funding will be used to improve facilities to the newly-restored Leeming Bar Station House, as well as restoring a number of Mark 2 heritage train carriages in time for this winter’s Polar Express experiences.
The statement added: “Originally these essential improvements would have been funded by this season’s train ticket income which is not possible as we are closed due to the global pandemic.
“This is the fifth time the National Lottery has funded projects at Wensleydale Railway demonstrating their commitment to our Railway and belief in our work.
“We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund and all of you who play the lottery again, for this continued support during these challenging times.
“It makes a huge difference.”
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