JUST over 50 years ago, the North Cornwall Railway line was closed, and Launceston lost its remaining station, and it wasn’t long before the site was cleared for the Newport Industrial Estate.

Looking back, and also considering the huge growth today in rail travel, one can only speculate as to the long term economic consequences to the town and surrounding area of this closure.

Every cloud though has a silver lining, and had the railway not closed, then the Launceston Steam Railway would never have been possible, and although most of the route has been lost, it is still possible to enjoy a trip up the beautiful Kensey Valley behind a Victorian steam locomotive.

Work is always on-going at the railway, whether it be maintenance or development. This year the railway has been paying attention to the lineside, and opening up the views again. It is a long job as it is done mainly by hand, but steady progress has been made.

The development of the diesel electric railcar continues, and a trial run was made to Newmills on Monday, October 3, to mark 50 years since the official closure of the railway.

The last train had in fact run on Saturday October 1, but it had not been possible to mark that particular day.

The Post has once again teamed up with the Launceston Steam Railway to offer a special half-term deal for readers, and in the Post next week will be a voucher, entitling the holder to generous discounts on tickets, which are valid for travel all day.

The café, shop and museum will all be open, and for those thinking of Christmas gifts for enthusiasts, this is the last chance to shop locally for railway books, DVDs and related items.

The half-term service runs from Sunday, October 23 to Friday, October 28 inclusive, and if the good weather holds, it is an excellent time to enjoy the valley.

Director Jonathan Mann said: “We recently had a visitor from East Anglia who was bowled over by the beauty of the Cornish countryside seen from the train. She was very amused however when I told her of a conversation overheard in our café, when one person (from another part of the country) said to another ‘It’s all very well, but there is nothing to see but countryside!”