A host of heritage diesel locomotives were on show at the event including the star of the show – a 52 diesel engine known as the Western Champion – the only one of its kind in existence.

The champion was back in action along with some of the railway's own engines and the Royal Fusilier which was designed for the high speed passenger services on the East Coast Main Line between London and Scotland.

Marketing and external communications officer, Phil Bustard said several thousand people had taken in the sights and sounds of the gala.

"We had a steady number of visitors here during the course of the weekend. It was a successful event. The weather was good. It was nice to see a first from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This time it was an iconic disel loco rather than a steam loco."

And there are more exciting events planned over the coming months for steam enthusiasts and simply those looking for a fun day out.

Next month there will be a 60s weekend on 14 and 15 June featuring music along the railway line's station and vintage vehicles involved too.