PASSENGERS on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway are set for a surprise visitor this weekend.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, is leading a mission in Whitby Deanery this Friday to Sunday.

Dr Sentamu will join a Forest Class at Sleights Primary School; board and meet passengers on the Whitby to Goathland steam train line and give an address as part of the WWI Commemoration event at Fylingdales.

He will also lead an outdoor service at Whitby Abbey on Sunday.

The Archbishop said: “Whitby has a fantastic Christian heritage, not least in the person of Hilda of Whitby who founded Whitby Abbey.

“Following in Hilda’s footsteps, I would like to share my love of God in Jesus Christ with the people of Whitby throughout this mission weekend.

“I want to encourage those who may be thinking of finding out more about the Christian faith to come along. So invite your friends and join me – I hope there will be time for fish and chips too!”