A former railway bridge will be demolished without planning consent, despite a protest campaign by people living nearby.

The British Railway Board (BRB) wants to demolish the Hurrell Lane rail bridge at Thornton-le-Dale, near Malton.

Local people have criticised the plan, claiming that the bridge, on the former Forge Valley line, should be preserved.

The bridge is on North York Moors National Park land, whose officers have decided that BRB does not require planning permission.

Steam enthusiast Charles Hill, who is a Thornton-le-Dale parish councillor, said: "I have mixed feelings. I will be sad to see the bridge go but it will also cost a lot of money to maintain."

A BRB spokesman said it would look to demolish the bridge as soon as possible.