North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s emergency appeal raises £350,000 as it prepares to start services in August

The news was announced by the attraction’s general manager Chris Price, who also revealed that the railway is due to start its services between Pickering and Whitby on Yorkshire Day (August 1).

He said: “The public support to the appeal has been overwhelming and our thanks go to local companies, the railway sector and the public, who have rallied together over the past three months.

“I’m optimistic about the railway’s future.

“Many fundraising events have been held, among them a silent auction, quiz nights, donations and a virtual shop.”

To help save vital funds the railway had to make what he described as ‘the difficult decision’ to cancel this year’s Steam Gala, which was planned to take place in September.

Mr Price added: “It will be a real disappointment for many people because it is one of the railway’s annual highlights, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure we have a future beyond the summer. The next few months are going to be a real challenge.”

○ Visit www.nymr.co.uk/pages/category/support-us if you would like to support the heritage railway’s fundraising efforts.

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