The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that National Lottery funding has safeguarded the future of the railway.

The railways ambitious ‘Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey’ project will start this spring thanks to a £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Series two of the popular TV show will start on Channel 5 on Friday 17 May, at 8pm and is scheduled to run for six weeks.

The project will take around five years to be completed, during which time the railway will remain open for its daily services as advertised.

The £9.7m project has also received £1.75 million from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), as well as contributions from local organisations and private donors. As a result, the NYMR can now begin work to preserve the railway’s historical infrastructure and assets.

The project will have an impact on a volunteer development programme and will include the recruitment of a new post to drive awareness of volunteering within the local community.

A major part of the project is the preservation of the railway for future generations to enjoy this includes the renewal of Goathland Station bridges, with three iron bridge spans being replaced.

A new carriage stable close to Pickering Station is also being built, which will enable the charity to store and house its historic vehicles, preserving them for the future.

With a combination of donations and grants, the railway has raised 90% of the funds to deliver the project. However, NYMR still needs to raise an additional £1 million over the next five years to be able to complete the project. For further information and to donate visit www.nymr.co.uk/YMJ.

What did the officials say?

John Bailey, NYMR Trust Chairman, said:

“This is just incredible news – and I am so proud of everyone at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway who has worked so hard to achieve this amazing success. We’d like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, RPA and the York, North York and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership who have made this possible.

“The project is the result of two years of careful planning – with staff and volunteers shaping the seven projects. We couldn’t do this without the help and support of local people – and are so grateful for the donations we have already received.

“These are exciting times for everyone who cares for the railway, our visitors, supporters, staff and volunteers. This is the most ambitious project we’ve ever undertaken and will build on our successful growth in recent years, so we can all achieve even more in the future.”

RPA Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to support this project to protect this important slice of history in the North Yorkshire landscape.

“The funding will help to safeguard the cultural significance of the railway. With 27,500 new visitors to the area expected by 2024, it will also provide a boost to the local economy as a renewed appreciation for its landscape and heritage.”

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