The Conwy Valley line, one of the most picturesque yet one of the most challenging railway services to keep operating has just published its annual report.

The line which links the North Wales coast to picturesque Snowdonia is rated as one of the world class tourist routes and every year sees many thousands of visitors journey on the line particularly over the summer months.

It recently introduced a Sunday service as part of Transport for Wales plans to support communities and keep public transport accessible outside the traditional tourist season.

However, the line is one of the country's most vulnerable when it comes to the weather and earlier in 2019 parts of the line was destroyed and badly damaged by flooding. Engineers spent many months repairing the line to ensure it would open in time for the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst.

In the Conwy Valley Railway Partnership Annual Report published yesterday, Chair Cllr Phillip C. Evans spoke about the eventful year and his hopes for the future.

"It is a great pleasure to introduce the Conwy Valley Rail Partnership’s Report for 2019; this has been a particularly challenging year for us and our industry partners, Transport for Wales Rail Services and Network Rail.

"The physical disruption caused by the flooding in March and important maintenance work, coupled with the reconstruction of Dolgarrog station, has meant that for significant periods the rail service has been replaced by road transport. As we approach the year end, it is good to know that there is, almost literally, light at the end of the tunnel.

"Throughout the disruption, we have endeavoured to maintain contact with our customers and station adopters. We have had celebrations in the form of the 140th anniversary of the railway reaching Blaenau Ffestiniog and it was good to hold an event in Blaenau to mark that important historical milestone.

"Hard on the heels of a change to the Wales & Borders rail franchise, we look forward in 2020 to a positive relationship with the new operator of the West Coast route, Avanti West Coast, who will provide enhanced services to connect with the Conwy Valley line as well as a through Llandudno – London service.

"I would record my appreciation to my Vice-Chair, Cllr Annwen Daniels, colleagues on the Partnership Board for their all their support as well as to our Rail Officer, Melanie Lawton, for her dedicated work and ability to rise to the challenges of the past year".

The whole report is available to read here.