An historic North West heritage railway fighting for its survival from the devastating impact of Covid has received a "vital" cash boost to help protect its future.
The East Lancashire Railway, which runs between Greater Manchester and Rawtenstall in Lancashire, has received an interest-free loan from the ELR Trust to help it survive the remainder of the "challenging winter period" - also providing moral support for its staff and volunteers.
The ELR Trust is a charity made up of four groups of trustees including the three local authorities the railway runs through - Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale - and has been overseeing the development of the attraction for over 30 years.
The railway turned to the ELR Trust - which owns the land and leases the railway line to the ELR - for support after lockdown measures resulted in cancelled services and events which have meant it has been closed since November.
East Lancashire Railway chairman Mike Kelly said: "We’re incredibly proud of the timeless experience the ELR provides for hundreds of thousands of visitors a year - thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers.
"However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced us into an extremely challenging financial situation as successive lockdowns and tier restrictions have taken their toll and deprived us of crucial visitor income.
"Restrictions also meant we were unable to run our Santa Special trains, an enormously popular event, which was extremely disappointing, and without this income we were reduced to facing the prospect of bankruptcy.
"As we enter 2021, with no certainty on when we can reopen, significant financial challenges still persist.
"And so we are incredibly grateful for the support from the ELR Trust and this precious lifeline of a timely and generous £300,000 loan, which gives hope for the future."
The railway was unable to run its Santa Specials in December due to local coronavirus restrictions - depriving it of its "most important" source of income of the year.
Brian Davies, chairman of the ELR Trust, added: "Covid-19 has devastated charities like the ELR right across the country.
"However, for the trustees there is only one ELR and we will do whatever we can in our power to make sure this beloved railway survives."
