North York Moors railway wins again (From The Northern Echo)

North York Moors railway wins again

2:59pm Wednesday 21st November 2007 in

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ONE of the region's biggest tourist draws is celebrating after being selected for a second top accolade in the space of just days.

Only days ago the North York Moors Railway was voted the best visitor attraction of 2007 by the Yorkshire Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership.

And now it has also been named as the Large Railway of the Year by the Heritage Railway Association, the umbrella body for over 100 heritage railways and museums from across the UK.

The association praised the railway for its successful operation of regular steam-hauled services on Network Rail's Esk Valley route between Grosmont and Whitby, using volunteer crews.

The judges also acknowledged the 15,000 contribution made following the holding of a gala in support of the flood-damaged Severn Valley Railway - especially as the NYMR also suffered from flooding but not to the same degree.

General manager Philip Benham said: "This is a tremendous achievement by our team of volunteers and paid staff.

"With the extension of trains to Whitby, they have worked tirelessly this year to meet a very demanding programme, further challenged by the impact of severe weather.

"Our aim has always been to provide our passengers and visitors with the very best of experiences and it is a great encouragement to see our endeavours recognised in this way."

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of Britain's leading heritage railways, running through 18 miles of countryside and attracting more than 300,000 visitors a year.