VANDALS have seriously damaged historic railway carriages on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The eight teak carriages, which date back to between 1930 and 1950 featured in Downton Abbey and the recent Dad's Army film, were parked in the siding close to the main visitor car park at Pickering when they were attacked in the early hours of today.

Chris Price, NYMR’s general manager, said the damage could be so severe the carriages will be out of action for the rest of the year.

He said: "We were absolutely devastated to discover that the carriages had been damaged overnight.

"The set was found with the windows smashed and the furniture and fixings completely ruined, obviously all the staff and volunteers are extremely upset. Until the set has been completely assessed we will not know the full extent of the damage caused, I doubt very much that the set will run again in the 2017 season."

York Press:

The attack happened the day after the NYMR launched the new ‘60s Fest’ event, which saw thousands of passengers visit the railway to travel on the route and enjoy live music, just meters away from where the carriages were vandalised.

Laura Strangeway, NYMR’s marketing manager said the vandalism would mean some changes to services throughout today.

She said: "Unfortunately there will be service disruptions today and any visitors wanting to travel along the line will need to check the website, nymr.co.uk or call customer services, 01751 472508 for updates. The live music and displays planned for ‘60s Fest will go ahead along the line as planned."

York Press:

Anyone with information which could help North Yorkshire Police in their investigation into the vandalism should phone 101.