THE West Coast Main Line through Grayrigg is due to be re-opened for passenger services from Monday morning.

Network Rail said that proving trains', used to test the line, would be sent out from Sunday evening.

Providing all was well, freight trains could be travelling through from 2am on Monday, followed by the 5.10am Manchester Piccadilly to Glasgow and the 6.09am Carlisle to Euston trains, as passenger services begin for the first time since the accident on February 23.

Meanwhile, selfless Grayrigg villagers are to be honoured by British Transport Police for their efforts in helping with the aftermath of last month's train derailment.

British Transport Police are to present the village with a commemorative plaque to pay tribute to the residents who helped the 115 passengers and staff on board the stricken Virgin Pendolino train.

For the full story, and pictures, see the March 9 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.

To watch a videocast of the derailment one week on, visit www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/ and click on video news.