A DREAM of rail enthusiasts to repatriate an original Goostrey railway station sign across the Atlantic has run out of steam for the foreseeable future.

The sign is part of the decor at Max and Erma's diner in Middleburg Heights, near Cleveland, Ohio.

And when volunteers of Friends of Goostrey Station (FOGS) heard about the sign they made overtures to have it returned 2,000 miles for the restored station house.

But now they have been told it will have to remain on display in the popular diner in an email from the owners.

Knutsford Guardian:

"The restaurant has changed hands numerous times so the director doesn't have any idea who obtained the sign or how it ended up in the US," a FOGS spokesman said.

"So it seems unlikely that we will see it back in Cheshire."

The director of operations for the Glacier restaurant group confirmed it cannot sell it.

FOGS volunteers were alerted to its existence by Erik Bittinger, from Middleburg Heights, who was curious enough to get in touch with them.

Erik tracked down the volunteers – who are dedicated to preserving the station – via their website and emailed Mike Jarvis, a former FOGS chairman.

Mike was delighted when he saw the attached photographs of the sign, which is prominently displayed in the diner.

The sign – from the early days of British Rail after the Second World War – became part of the decor when the restaurant opened in 1999, but nothing else is known about its long-distance journey from Goostrey Station.

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New members are always welcome to join FOGS.

For more information see friendsofgoostreystation.org or email Dave Roberts on sharp-shooter1052@gmail.com or Craig Sidebotham on 29craimar@talktalk.net