THE North York Moors Railway (NYMR) is to receive almost £300,000 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The £296,000 grant will help fund the restoration of key bridges on the heritage railway’s route across the moors from Pickering to Whitby.

The heritage line has been confirmed as one of the recipients of a Capitak Kickstart Award from the government's Culture Recovery Fund grants and the money will go towards its ongoing Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project, which has suffered from lockdown-related delays.

Thirsk and Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, said news of the grant was fantastic news.

This comes on top of news that efforts by the MP to help NYMR secure redundant equipment arising from the decommissioning of the Heathrow Express, Old Oak Common depot facility have been successful. This includes lifting jacks, maintenance tools and equipment which will be used to maintain a fleet of 40 plus 1930’s and 1950’s carriages which are being stored in a new purpose built depot.

Mr Hollinrake said: “This has been a very good week for the much loved NYMR in the midst of these challenging times. I was delighted to be able to help them secure this much needed maintenance equipment at a time when it was badly needed. It makes no sense for it to go to waste if it can be found a good home here in North Yorkshire. I’m also very pleased that the NYMR has been awarded this further grant because it will enable them to catch up on projects that had had to be put aside during the pandemic”.

NYMR Chris Price said “When we were made aware of the opportunity to acquire redundant railway equipment from the Heathrow Express Train Care Facility, it quickly became apparent that permission to donate the equipment to the NYMR would be needed from the Department For Transport. There is no doubt in my mind that having the excellent support from Kevin was instrumental in not only the permission being granted but also the timely fashion in which we received it..”