A RAILWAY museum manager is set to say goodbye after three years at the helm.

Gary Campbell has been manager at Shildon Locomotion since January 2015 but will be following new tracks in his home county of Northumberland at the end of this month.

During his time at the museum, the 47-year-old managed prestigious projects such as a visit from the Flying Scotsman and most recently, Tim Peake’s Spacecraft Exhibition.

Mr Campbell also oversaw the six-figure renovation of the museum cafe - including seats donated from Eurostar - which he said had been a particular highlight.

Having such a long commute, Mr Campbell moved to Bishop Auckland and went home at weekends.

But in his new role managing Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Coastal Care Programme, he will now be able to return to his partner, which he said was a deciding factor for him personally.

He said: “The commute was just too far and I’m excited to sleep in my own bed every night even though I’m disappointed to be going.

“During my time here the museum has welcomed an amazing 670,000 visitors, including our 2,500,000th visitor. Incredible for an attraction which aspired to 50,000 a year in its original planning,” he added.

“The unwavering commitment of the whole Locomotion family of colleagues, volunteers, supporters and partners has seen us achieve an incredible amount.”

In September, Durham County Council’s (DCC) Cabinet voted in favour of proposals to introduce new management arrangements at the museum which was formerly known as Locomotion: The National Railway Museum.

The change meant operational responsibility for the site transferred to a single management structure under The Science Museum Group (SMG), replacing the joint management with DCC.

Mr Campbell, who oversaw the change when it came into effect on December 1, said it was a positive step.

He said: “The physical fabric of the site is moving through an exciting phase of development. Our new café meets our standards as the most northerly national museum in England.

"Our site refresh work continues at pace. The Coal Drops renovations will start this spring. And planning for the work to secure the future of the site’s historic buildings and a development plan for the whole museum is well underway.”

“The museum has a bright future,” he added. “I want to say a big thanks to all the volunteers who give up 15,000 hours a year to help. Without them we could not do it without them - they are brilliant.”

SGM is now in the process of recruiting a new manager, with integration lead, Ciara Wells, stepping in in the interim.

Mr Campbell added: “I am very proud to have been part of Locomotion’s incredible success story; carrying on its track record of overachieving throughout its existence.

“I am extremely confident that with everyone’s continuing support that the museum will continue to go from strength to strength.”