A MAJOR attraction is celebrating 100 years in the spotlight of the county's tourism scene. 

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has reached a monumental landmark in its history as it marks the 100 years since it became a a narrow gauge railway. 

In April 1913, the original three foot line closed making way for a narrower gauge of 15 inches which was installed in 1915, signalling a new age of tourism for the railway. 

To celebrate this, the railway is launching a series of events over Bank Holiday Weekend. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be will have the opportunity to see visiting engines Lydia and Soony (Perrygrove Railway), Britannia (Conwy Valley Railway), Red Gauntlet (Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway) and Katie (Kirklees Light Railway), at Ravenglass Station.

The bronze-green engine, Bonnie Dundee, will be taking centre stage for photo opportunities at Ravenglass Station each day, and special centenary gala services, to the Muncaster Mill stop on the line, will be running six times a day, throughout the weekend.

Muncaster Mill is the point to which the RER line was laid out 100 years ago, to a 15-inch gauge, so this 15-20 minute journey has huge significance.

Railway experts will also be on hand throughout the weekend to hold a series of talks that will delve into the history of the track. 

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s marketing manager, Rachel Bell, said: “Centenaries, by their very nature, don’t come along very often, so we have thrown everything into making this event truly special and fun for both families and heritage railway enthusiasts alike. 

"It is fantastic to be able to coincide this 100th birthday party with the opening of stage one of the new Ravenglass Museum and we thank everyone who has helped make that happen.”

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, believes the railway to be an important part of the county's tourist industry.

He said: “Heritage railways are an important part of Cumbria’s history and extremely popular visitor attractions. 

"Travelling by train in Cumbria is a great way to enjoy the spectacular views that Cumbria offers, especially the lesser known areas such as the Cumbrian coast, Settle Carlisle railway and the South Tynedale and the Lakeside to Haverthwaite railways. 

"The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a true hidden gem and is a great day out especially combined with walks in Eskdale or seafood in Ravenglass’."