PLANS to develop and improve an historic North Yorkshire railway have been given a £500,000 boost by the region’s economic partnership.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is looking to carry out a £2.87 million scheme which will modernise its infrastructure and allow more visitors and commuters to use the line, tying into proposals for a second platform at Whitby and paving the way for new timetables.

The £500,000 contribution is being provided by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, whose chairman, Barry Dodd, said: “Improving travel connections across Yorkshire is a core component of our strategy for developing the region.

“Not only will this help businesses attract and retain high-quality employees, it will also give us a new opportunity to attract tourists who will be introduced to the area with the launch of the Tour de France later this year.”