A FORMER railway station which is being transformed into a cafe is due to open in August – and create 25 jobs.

Simon and Di Parums have been working hard, alongside contractors and volunteers, during the past 18 months to create an exciting new venture at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.

The old station now has a new roof and will form the cafe. Standing alongside it is a full-size replica of a French SNCF steam train which featured in the 2017 film version of the classic tale, Murder on the Orient Express. It will also form part of the cafe.

There is a core team of four running the business. They hope to take on another 25, 10 of which would be full-time.

“The station was totally derelict, it had trees growing out of the top,” said Di. “It’s been a hive of activity with everyone working on it. It’s a very exciting, busy time with everything very much changing and improving.”

The 140m platform has been opened up. “You couldn’t see it, it was buried under 50 years of tree leaves and saplings,” said Di.

The station has been painted in authentic “blood and custard” which was used on the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith line. Simon and Di will live in the station master’s house, which has also been fully refurbished.

The project has also involved the planting of more than 2,000 new trees and shrubs, creating new habitats for wildlife.

“Anything to do with old buildings and trains, what you think you will spend, you spend at least double,” said Di.

“We have self-financed this almost entirely and are really proud of what we’ve created. It’s been a labour of love.”

They are delighted with the response they have had. “People are dying to come. We want to be exceptionally ethical, focusing on food provenance, and be good employers.”