A consultation on a minimum learning period is met with fears over affordability for young drivers.
Tanfield Railway, said to be the world's oldest, will offer people the chance to drive a steam train.
Beamish Museum says the heritage railway will ensure a secure future for Twizell and Malleable No5.
Sjt Richard Rounsley, from Tanfield, is laid to rest after being killed aged 30 at the Somme.
A train saved from scrap in the 1970s returns to County Durham where it pulled coal for two decades.
Andrew Husband, who is expected to become council leader, says the party has a "mandate for change".
