Hopes of reconnecting two railway lines, to bring trains full of steam fans flocking to north Norfolk, have been boosted by a council grant.The North Norfolk Railway tourist attraction is planning a �136,000 link to the Bittern Line commuter station 200ft away, rejoining tracks sliced in two during the branch line cutbacks of the 1960s.

Hopes of rejoining two railway lines to bring trains full of steam fans flocking to the area have been boosted by a council grant.

The North Norfolk Railway is planning a �136,000 link to the Bittern Line station 200 feet away, rejoining tracks severed in the branch line cuts of the 1960s. A new crossing would enable enthusiasts' trains to reach the heritage track from the main line.

A plea to Norfolk County Council to top up the �90,000 needed to fund the project has resulted in a pledge of �25,000 from a reserve fund of money that is allocated to schemes not contained in main budgets.

The offer is conditional on the railway team finding the remaining �65,000. It has already raised �40,000 through a public appeal and is now renewing its fundraising efforts.

To help the appeal contact Julian Birley on 07831 120564; email jbirley@threejs.co.uk