Preparations are being finalised for a fitting celebration to mark the reopening of a stretch of a railway line left closed for more than a year.

And one of the most famous trains of all time - The Flying Scotsman - will be the guest of honour as the Settle to Carlisle route is restored to its former glory.

Part of the line, renowned for its scenic splendour, has been closed since February 9 last year following a 500,000-tonne landslip on a section of track at Eden Brows, near Armathwaite.

But work on a £23 million scheme to stabilise a section of the gorge bank above the river Eden is now nearly finished.

A giant viaduct-like structure, made of concrete and steel, has been put in place.

It means that if the land gives way again, the railway will not.

Now the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle line are hosting a special event at Armathwaite station to celebrate the reopening of that stretch of line.

It will take place on March 31 between 10.30am and 4pm.

Douglas Hodgkins, chairman of the group, said the reopening of the line will be a "huge achievement".

He said: "It's been a long time coming, especially for people at the northern end of the line.

"We will have The Flying Scotsman passing through on the day which will be wonderful.

"Music will be provided by the talented musicians Rag Time Rascals and the signal box will be open for guided tours.

"There will also be a display of vintage vehicles in the car park and there will be craft, jewellery and photography stalls."

While Northern trains are running between Settle and Armathwaite, buses are still being used between Carlisle and Armathwaite.

Mr Hodgkins said: "We are under no illusion that there will is a huge amount of work to do to get the message across that the Settle to Carlisle line is going to be open for business throughout.

"We have to let people know as people get out of the habit and go and do other things."

Three steam trains are due to travel from Skipton up to Appleby next week ahead of the March 31 celebrations.

Mr Hodgkins said: "Later in the year we hope to run a Santa train along the line from Carlisle to York so people can go Christmas shopping for the day with carols along the way."

Rhiannon Price, project manager for Network Rail, said: "We are now focused on getting this iconic and much-loved line fully reopened right the way to Carlisle as soon as possible, which is on schedule for March 31."

Once the line has reopened, Network Rail is planning to carry out earthworks improvements to the foot of the embankment below the line and above the River Eden.

It will include drainage ditches and pipework, while rock armour will guard against erosion when flows are high.

Trees will also be replanted across the affected area.

The historic Settle to Carlisle line opened in 1875.

Story Contracting has been working on the project alongside Network Rail.