Rail chiefs have lifted a ban on the operator of the steam train service famed as the backdrop in the Harry Potter film series.

Network Rail put the suspension in place after one of West Coast Railways' trains ran through a red light on a separate line south of the Border.

WCR, which operates the train from Fort William and Mallaig that includes the Glenfinnan Viaduct which JK Rowling's Hogwarts Express crosses, met a number of conditions set out by Network Rail ahead of the end of the six-week ban.

It is understood the Lancashire-based firm's ban was the first UK-wide network ban since the railway was privatised more than 20 years ago.

The incident which led to the suspension involved a WCR steam train on the Great Western main line between London and Bristol.

The train ran through a red light at Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire on March 7, endangering those on board and others on the railway.

In an earlier letter to WCR, Network Rail stated: "Network Rail has had concerns about WCR's performance of its safety obligations for some time and recent events led Network Rail to believe that the operations of WCR are a threat to the safe operation of the railway."

The Department for Transport's rail accident investigation branch said the train had failed to stop and its crew had not contacted signallers.

Recommendations to the firm included better train driver monitoring and better management of train protection systems.

WCR said: "We are delighted to announce our 20th season running the world famous Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig.

"The Jacobite will steam out on schedule on Monday May 11 and all services thereafter remain unchanged.

"We welcome with open arms all passengers travelling."

It said it is "hosting the 'Greatest Railway Journey in the world' voted by Wanderlust Magazine".

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are now satisfied that West Coast Railways have addressed all of the actions set out in the suspension notice that took effect on Friday, April 3.

"As a result, Network Rail has revoked the suspension."