Bunty is back! Steam train services resume at Northumberland attraction
Last updated 25th May 2025
Steam train services have resumed at a Northumberland visitor attraction.
They were halted last month after sparking a number of line-side fires.
A warning had been issued about the risk of wild fires during the recent warm weather.
And a diesel engine, named Binky, replaced them for most of May.
But, following the recent rain, England’s most northerly steam railway has announced normal service has been restored.
A spokesperson added: "This will be reviewed on a daily basis until further notice."
The steam locomotive - named Bunty - is a familiar sight, pulling carriages between Heatherslaw and Etal.
Commenting earlier this month, Christine Smith, from Heatherslaw Light Railway, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's not common for us to have a high fire threat at the end of April/beginning of May!
"The sparks from the steam loco were igniting small trackside fires due to the very dry conditions and the decision was made immediately to replace the steam loco with the diesel engine.
"Other steam railways around the country have had the same problems." But she added: "Normally it's flooding which is the issue here!"
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