The Alford Valley branch was built by the nominally- independent Alford Valley Rly, although GNSR subscribed £15,000 of capital and provided most of the Board. Traffic was disappointing and, by 1862, the AVR could no longer meet its liabilities. The GNSR gave a guarantee for its mortgage debts, lasting until the passing of the Amalgamation Act, 1866, which integrated AVR into GNSR. The line opened on 21/3/1859 (goods/passengers) and closed on 2/1/1950 (passengers), 7/11/1966 (goods).