Stainmore Railway Company have received £16,000 from the latest instalment of the government's Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

The grant will help the voluntary heritage railway organisation, based at Kirkby Stephen East, cover the day-to-day running costs that have been lost during the winter months of the pandemic, funding that would usually be accrued from public income.

This latest instalment of the CRF is the third round of the governments £2 billion fund to help protect renowned culture and heritage sites throughout the UK. 

Stainmore Railway Company is amongst nearly 140 organisations who will benefit from the £15.5 million deposit, with other beneficiaries being Alexandra Park and Palace and The British Music Experience in Liverpool.

Project manager Mike Thompson said the organisation is "immensely grateful" to have received the funding to help survive the losses caused by the outbreak.

"The grant will help us cover essential costs through the quiet winter months, and with that hurdle overcome we very much hope that we will return to offering a full programme of events in 2022 when we can welcome back the public to enjoy and experience everything we have to offer once again," he said.

The organisation specialises in the restoration of traditional railway vehicles and tracks whilst providing visitors the opportunity to learn about the historic North Eastern Railway based at Kirkby Stephen East station which opened in 1861.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, British Film Institute and Historic England are amongst those responsible for depositing the latest funding on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said this latest funding will be a "welcomed Christmas boost" to many organisations throughout the country.

"With the situation changing daily, the funding will be crucial in helping heritage sites navigate their seasonal activities ensuring the safety of their visitors and their communities. The grants will also support organisations in implementing business plans as they work round the challenges for the coming year, helping financial sustainability and driving tourism so that we can look to a bright future for our heritage sector," he said.