A HISTORIC railway is hoping to get back on track after raising more than £200,000 to help it recover from closure.

The Bluebell Railway, which runs steam trains along an 11-mile line from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, had to close amid the coronavirus lockdown and has not received any fare income – its main source of revenue – from passengers since March 20.

The not-for-profit heritage line set a £300,000 target to recover from the closure and there have been at least 1,500 donations ranging from children offering their pocket money to several thousand pounds from members and supporters.

The railway’s fundraising organiser Trevor Swainson said: “We are hopeful of raising at least another £50,000 and maybe even £100,000 to reach our destination.”

A Bluebell Railway spokesman said the line is “now looking at the logistics and practicalities of reopening” including how to ensure social distancing.

You can donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/support-bluebell