The head of a restoration group entrusted with the preservation of a former Norfolk railway station has appealed for help before it is "lost forever".

Middleton Towers was the first stop on the former 11-station railway line between King's Lynn and Dereham that served the area for more than 120 years.

But the line was closed in 1968 and today just three miles remain of the once-26-mile line, used primarily to transport sand from the quarries in Leziate on to glass-making factories in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Eastern Daily Press: Middleton Towers was the first stop on the former King's Lynn to Dereham railway lineMiddleton Towers was the first stop on the former King's Lynn to Dereham railway line (Image: Middleton Towers Restoration Group)

More than 50 years after the closure, the Middleton Towers Restoration Group was established to restore the site to its former glory and return it to community use.

READ MORE: 'Absolutely gutted' - Shock at sudden closure of soft play area

According to Alex Brammer - who founded the group in 2021 - it consists of more than 700 railway enthusiasts, engineers and tradespeople who are eager to chip in. 

Eastern Daily Press: The restoration group needs more than £8,000 to begin repairsThe restoration group needs more than £8,000 to begin repairs (Image: Middleton Towers Restoration Group)

And after two and half years of negotiations, Middleton Towers has finally been awarded a contract by Network Rail to commence restorations.

READ MORE: Norfolk to be hit by more heavy rain as new weather warning issued

But the biggest obstacle facing the group is a lack of funds, claims NHS administrator Mr Brammer, who says initial protective measures will cost more than £8,000 and they will need liability insurance of £3,600 per year. 

Eastern Daily Press: Alex Brammer has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary fundsAlex Brammer has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary funds (Image: Middleton Towers Restoration Group)

"We are urgently appealing to the public for their support as we simply do not have the money," he said. 

"We are also appealing to businesses who may wish to sponsor us. 

READ MORE: Access to Norfolk beach could be closed for months after storm damages ramp again

"Crowdfunding will be crucial for our efforts until we can agree on any funding."

If funding can be achieved, the former ticket office and platform access room will be entirely restored and transformed into a public tea room and railway museum. 

The campaign has so far raised more than £500 of a £10,000 goal. Donations can be given on the group's website.