LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY has thanked staff for helping it come back from the 'brink of extinction' as it is shortlisted for a top award.

The venue had been nominated for the 'Attraction of the Year' prize at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the railway has faced an uncertain future.

The railway’s Public Limited Company (PLC) called in the receiver on March 1, 2020 and said that move came following mounting debts - estimated to be at around £350,000.

But, following an incredible fundraising drive which collected hundreds of thousands of pounds, the railway gradually bounced back.

In April 2021, it was announced that a deal had been completed with administrators Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP, for an undisclosed sum.

This saw them purchase certain assets belonging to the railway along with the right to use the railway line.

Since then, the railway has been on the up and it is now up for the 'Attraction of the Year' award, with the winner being announced this Thursday (November 23).

A statement from Llangollen railway read: "We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for “Attraction of the Year” at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards, which will be announced next Thursday 23rd November.

"With our fabulous new station at Corwen now open and a nearly sold-out Santa Special season still to look forward to, we’ve had a very successful 2023. This nomination is the icing on the cake!"

Thanking staff for their help during the toughest of times for the railway, the statement added: "Our staff and volunteers have shown phenomenal dedication to turn the railway around from the brink of extinction and take it back to being one of North Wales' most successful tourist attractions - in just two and a half years.

"Wish us all luck in the final stages of judging and keep your fingers crossed for us next Thursday night."