NORTH Yorkshire Moors Railway beat the effects of the recession last year by recording the second highest number of passengers in its 40-year history.

A massive 315,000 visitors rode on the heritage railway last year, a figure described by general manager Philip Benham as “remarkable” given the bad weather last summer and the economic downturn.

Mr Benham said: “We are very pleased with these results. There has been a lot of hard work and the figures reflect a railway which continues to be appealing for tourists and enthusiasts alike. Despite a small decline in volume, we remain the market leader in heritage steam and remain one of Yorkshire’s finest attractions. This puts us in good stead to face the challenges ahead.”

A key factor, he said, was the extended services beyond Grosmont to Whitby. In 2008 the number of services running between Pickering and the coast increased by half. Last October’s Railway at War event, was the biggest yet attracting over 10,000 visitors to Pickering and its neighbouring villages along the route of the railway. The year finished on a high with a 15 per cent increase in visitors.

But the buoyant number of visitors has not been without its cost. In particular it had been hit hard with the cost of coal, which doubled in price during 2008.

Mr Benham said: “For a railway operating a very busy timetable every day between April and November, this represents considerable outlay.”

The hiring of steam locomotives from alternative sources also added to the bill, but was necessary to ensure that the railway had sufficient engines to operate its comprehensive timetable, which at its peak delivers 12 return services per day.

Looking ahead to this year, Mr Benham said the railway would continue to plan for the delivery of a comprehensive timetable, offering as much choice as possible for visitors. Most fares have been held and the railway plans to deliver a number of special events including a Spring Steam Gala featuring the newly-built A1 Pacific steam locomotive Tornado.

Yorkshire Tourist Board chief executive sGary Verity said: “The figures are very good news and we support the excellent service being delivered by North Yorkshire Moors Railway.”