AN investigation has been launched after a volunteer rail worker died when he was trapped between two trains.

The 67-year-old, who has not been named, had been a volunteer with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for several years.

Police were called to Grosmont station at 12.30pm yesterday.

Paramedics also attended, but the man died at the scene.

Railway spokeswoman Danielle Bradley said last night: “Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family of this gentlemen.

“We are currently providing support to all the staff and volunteers who were here at the time. We are fully cooperating with the authorities who are investigating this tragic incident.”

The investigations are being carried out by police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.

George Morton, who runs the bookshop in Grosmont opposite the station, said the victim was well known locally.

He said: “He was a lovely guy, and had been coming here for years.

“It is a real tragedy and everyone feels it. The moors railway is a big part of Grosmont.

It is very sad for his family and for the town.”

The railway is one of the most picturesque lines in Britain and has featured in many TV series and films, including Heartbeat and Harry Potter. It attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year.

It runs steam and diesel trains from Pickering to Grosmont, where the main engine sheds are housed.

There is also an intersection at Grosmont between the railway and regular train services that connect to Middlesbrough and Whitby.

It is run by a combination of staff and volunteers with a daily service from April to November.

Services are due to resume today, but anyone intending to travel is advised to check at nymr.co.uk or call 01751- 472508.