A MAJOR £190,000 visitor centre showing the history of the railways across the North York Moors has opened at a popular visitor attraction.

The North York Moors Railway has opened the venture at Pickering Station, in North Yorkshire, as part of an upgrade of the station.

The railway staff have raised part of the funding and £120,000 came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £33,000 from Yorwaste.

The Yorventure Visitor Centre attraction was opened by Steve Grieve, chief executive of Yorwaste, yesterday. (oct 22) Phil Bustard, of the railway, said: "It went brilliantly and there are many attractions here for people to enjoy of all ages.

"Inside there are display boards and interpretation boards. There's also a large map on display which shows the whole of the North York Moors Railway.