EFFORTS to repeat the free Lakes Line heritage rail service over the May Bank Holiday weekend have proved unsuccessful.

When rail chiefs announced that pre-planned engineering works meant normal services on the Oxenholme to Windermere line would be replaced by buses over the Easter weekend, a free heritage train service was arranged which proved extremely successful and was used by approximately 2,500 passengers.

With a further closure planned for this weekend, efforts were made by the Lakes Line Rail User Group, Northern Rail and MP Tim Farron to repeat the move, but unfortunately an arrangement was unable to be finalised in time.

A bus replacement service will operate in the line on Saturday and Sunday with the normal rail timetable resuming on Bank Holiday Monday morning.