VOLUNTEERS at the Corwen Central station works are set to take on the final challenge before completing the project.

Work at the is now now focused on the infamous gap in the railway embankment outside the town, long seen as the big obstruction on the track bed and the last challenge to be overcome in completing the project.

To illustrate the size of the problem, nine volunteers joined hands across the Gap which is 22 yards in width with varying depths to be reinstated a 150 yard stretch. It's estimated the gap will require about 9,000 tonnes of soil to be brought in and compacted at an estimated cost of £10,000.

To help fund the mammoth task, the Llangollen Railway Trust’s Corwen Central Railway Development Project (CCRD) is now appealing for donations, and will be looking for a contractor to fill the gap before the connection of the two railheads and other works can be completed.

A Llangollen Railway spokesman said, “Financing this final challenge in completing the Corwen terminus is again sought from supporters who helped when we launched a Tenner for a Tonne Appeal for the infilling of the platform area.

Originally bulldozed through to provide alternative access to the Water Treatment plant, the gap was further eroded in 2013 by contractors for the Corwen Flood Relief Scheme and has since provided the essential access for the road delivery of materials for the project.

Recently it offered the only route for the Water Tank and Signal box cabin to be brought in for installation on site.

The spokesperson added: "Time for tackling the gap is short, and the reward for supporters will be the sight of the train arriving at the new station across the final frontier, something we are all waiting for. With help from any and all sources, we will infill the gap."

For more information, visit llangollen-railway.co.uk, donations can be made to the project's treasurer Paul Bailey at CCRD project at Bryn Eglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY.