"Throughout the whole of the line, the adjacent country had poured forth its inhabitants, and nothing could exceed the interesting spectacle which the several villages anti cottages presented. Bands of music, flags, the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, and the hearty cheers of the assembled multitudes gave a joyous welcome to this first and auspicious journey on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway"

Reference: Newcastle Courant - Saturday 14 March 1835 p2