A HERITAGE railway is on track to raise £2.5m – with more than £200,000 pledged since its campaign was launched last October.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway founded the appeal, Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey, to raise the money over the next five years for an investment programme to be delivered.

The whole sustainability project will cost £9.2m, and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded around half of the figure last year.

It is hoped the campaign will encourage members, passengers and the public to raise £2.5m, with the rest expected to come from member bequests and grants.

John Bailey, chairman of the North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust, said: “We’re extremely proud of how much money has already been raised and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, no matter how big or small.

“The railway has been one of Yorkshire’s much-loved attractions for the last five decades, with a history of creating long lasting family memories. Now, as we look to secure our future, these funds will be invaluable.”

The programme will fund the repair and renewal of iron bridges around Goathland, and the construction of a covered stable for up to 40 carriages at Pickering.

It also hopes to build a dedicated education carriage at Goathland, create a new volunteer hostel at Grosmont and start a railway apprenticeship programme.

Over 17,500 schoolchildren have visited the railway in the past five years, and it is thought the planned new facility at Goathland could educate a further 6,000.

The 180-year-old railway, which runs between Whitby and Pickering, carries over 350,000 passengers a year.

To pledge support, visit nymr.co.uk/YMJ