A £650,000 project to replace a 145-year-old bridge on a popular tourist railway took a major step forward yesterday.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is replacing an old iron bridge which spans a River Esk tributary.

It carries trains 24 times each day on the railway from Pickering to Whitby, but wear and tear has made it unsafe.

The NYMR launched the Bridge and Wheels Appeal campaign to raise the money needed, which included a £300,000 donation from North Yorkshire County Council.

Pop mogul and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman also gave his backing to the appeal.

The crumbling crossing, near Goathland, has been removed and steel beams were lowered into place yesterday in the most challenging engineering project the heritage railway has ever faced.

Phil Bustard, NYMR marketing manager, said: “It was a very proud moment and we were very excited to see the beams being lifted into place.

“It all went without a hitch and the project is on track.

“Any delays we envisaged have now been removed so we can get on with it.”

The original bridge dates back to era of George Stephenson, who planned a line across the moors from Pickering to Whitby.

“Railway King” George Hudson finally completed the works to erect the bridge.

The NYMR has been working through the winter dismantling the bridge to get ready for the new girders, which are 28m long and weigh 36 tonnes. The scrap metal from the old bridge will go to TJ Thompson of Stockton.

It is hoped to have the work completed by Saturday, March 27, for the start of the NYMR’s main tourist season.

The NYMR is Britain’s most popular heritage steam railway. Last year, it was used by 350,000 passengers, who raised £18m for the local economy.

The Bridge and Wheels Appeal campaign also wants to raise an extra £350,000 to repair a former British Rail locomotive for use on the line. It was rescued from the scrap heap in the Sixties, but needs a complete overhaul.

To help with the fundraising, and for details, call 01751-473799 or visit nymr.co.uk