The search is on for people who have memories of Norwich's lost City Station and the once-busy railway lines which ran to the north and east of the county.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City Station, pictured before 1942. Pic: Archant Library.Norwich City Station, pictured before 1942. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

Oral history recordings are being made as part of the Marriott's Way Heritage Trail project, focused on the former railway route, now a footpath.

The recordings will be archived and preserved at the Norfolk Record Office and made accessible for everyone.

Marriott's Way follows two former railway lines; the Midland & Great Northern line, which ran from the Midlands to Norwich via Melton Constable, and the Great Eastern line, from Aylsham, linking Wroxham to the County School at North Elmham.

They closed to passenger traffic in 1959 and 1952. In 1960 the Themelthorpe Curve was constructed to link the two lines to enable rail transportation of concrete from Lenwade to the Midlands.

Norwich Evening News: Janet Hardwick buys the last ticket on the final Midland & Great Northern service from City Station in February 1959. Pic: Archant Library.Janet Hardwick buys the last ticket on the final Midland & Great Northern service from City Station in February 1959. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

The line finally closed to all rail traffic in 1985, and was converted into a long distance walking and cycling route

The Norfolk Trail was named Marriott's Way after William Marriott, who was the chief engineer and manager of the Midland & Great Northern Railway for 41 years.

The recordings are part of a £670,000, two-year project, with £455,000 coming from The Heritage Lottery Fund and the rest from developers through planning obligations, from Norfolk County Council, fundraising, donations and volunteer time.

The project will see a host of activities, events and work taking place.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City Station pictured in January 1966. Pic: Archant Library.Norwich City Station pictured in January 1966. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

These will document and preserve the industrial heritage of the former railway line and encourage more people to use the 26-mile route, which already attracts over 100,000 cyclists, walkers and horse riders every year.

Not only is there a call for people to share memories of how the railway touched their lives, but also for volunteers to step forward and help to record those recollections for current and future generations to enjoy.

Volunteer training will take place on October 10 and 17 at Norfolk Record Office.

Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council's environment, development and transport committee, said: 'We'd be particularly keen to hear from potential volunteers who already have experience of working on oral history projects and making these audio recordings as some of the work can start straight away and they'll be able to hit the ground running.

Norwich Evening News: A walk along Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library.A walk along Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

'And we'd also love to hear from anyone who is new to this type of project and wants to learn a new skill as there's hopefully going to be plenty to do.

'I'd urge anyone who remembers living or working near the stations, goods yards, track and level crossings where steam and diesel locomotives once ran to get in touch.

'Or if you don't remember the line yourself but know someone who does it would be great if you encourage them to share those vital memories of the line with us.'

To book a place on the training course or to share memories, email marriottswayheritagetrail@gmail.com or call 01603 224287.

Norwich Evening News: Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library.Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: The Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library.The Marriott's Way. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Melton Constable train at Norwich City station in 1958. Pic: Archant Library.Melton Constable train at Norwich City station in 1958. Pic: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)