A NEW station platform at one of the region’s leading resorts has had a positive impact on a popular heritage railway.

A year after the new platform was unveiled at Whitby Station passenger numbers have jumped for the North York Moors Railway.

Over the past 12 months 120,000 passengers travelled to and from Whitby using the railway - an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.

The additional platform and improved track works has also enabled the railway to increase its daily services in and out of Whitby from three to five.

“The figures paint an upbeat picture of the growing popularity in taking a step back in time by using our services for a day out at the seaside or on the moors,” said managing director Philip Benham.

“To think that the line was closed 50 years ago, it is testimony to all who have been involved in its resurgence that we are now celebrating such a positive milestone.”

It is estimated that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway helps generate £30m per annum into the local economy.

With daily services operating for most of the year, coupled with special events, the railway attracts almost 350,000 visitors per year making it one of the most popular steam railways in the world.

The additional platform at Whitby and associated track works was introduced at a cost of £2.3m and put in place through a partnership of organisations. It is expected to generate a further £3.5m per year of economic benefit to local tourism.