Stephen Poxon was undertaking a week-long visit to the York and Hull district of the Methodist Church, which included a trip on the railway on Saturday.

He was joined by the chairman of the York and Hull district of the Methodist Church, Stephen Burgess, on the noon service between Pickering and Grosmont.

Communications officer for the Methodist Church’s York and Hull district, Bob Lawe, said: “We are grateful the president has been able to spend so long with us in the district and he has had a very busy itinerary.

“The trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was a nice change from his church duties and he was able to see some of the most stunning scenery the area has to offer.”

Mr Poxon was appointed for his 12-month term as president during the Methodist Church’s annual conference which was held in Scarborough in July.

He has been joined by the Methodist Church’s vice-president, David Walton, for the visit to the region, which began last Tuesday.

Mr Poxon’s itinerary has included a visit to a lay workers’ day in Ampleforth, as well as addressing an open meeting in Pickering.

He has also visited Sneaton Castle in Whitby and Raven Hall Hotel near Scarborough.

The president was at a service at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday and was due to leave the area after attending a working lunch at York St John University yesterday.