VOLUNTEERS helped banish the Christmas bulge by giving a historic railway station a festive spruce up.

Members of Weardale Railway Trust gathered at Frosterley Station yesterday (Sunday, December 28) for the annual Work Off Your Pud clean-up operation.

Seven volunteers spent the day pruning the hedgerows and shrubbery surrounding the station, which dates back to the mid 19th century.

They also picked up a variety of litter to ensure the station looks its best for the year ahead.

Trust member Trevor Horner said: “It was a great day and there was a real sense of camaraderie amongst us all.

“The Work Off Your Pud clean-up is a great way to get people out of the house between Christmas and New Year and also helps you work of some of the festive treats you’ve indulged in.

“It has become a Christmas tradition.”

At lunch time the hard working volunteers tucked into homemade broth and they were also treated to free coffees from the Black Bull Inn.

For more information about Weardale Railway Trust visit weardale-railway@org.uk or call 01388-526203.