BRITAIN’S biggest heritage railway has reached a fundraising milestone in a drive to renew a 140-year-old bridge.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway bosses launched the Bridge And Wheel Appeal last year to help restore the bridge, which lies a quarter-of-a-mile north of Goathland.

It was originally built mostly of cast iron, but has now reached the end of its working life and needs to be renewed within the next 18 months.

The appeal has just hit the £100,000 mark through donations from the public, but railway bosses say more funds are desperately needed in order to keep the award-winning attraction open.

Railway spokesman Phil Bustard said the appeal was the biggest challenge to face the attraction in decades.

“Now that we are getting into our busy season, the majority of our resources are focused on running our daily services,” he said.

“So we are heavily reliant upon the public to rally behind our call, to help raise the funds we need to carry out the renewal of the bridge.

“At this time of year there are hundreds of visitors coming to our railway to enjoy a great day out.

“Imagine if all this was taken away, it would be a tragedy.

“But that is the reality if we don’t raise the money to renew the bridge between Goathland and Grosmont.”

He said the work would cost about £1 million.

“Support has been forthcoming from our life members, and from members of the public attending our gala events as well as through volunteers,” said Mr Bustard.

“The A4 Society kindly donated £5,000 towards the appeal and we have also had a pledge of £300,000 from North Yorkshire County Council.

“It has been pleasing to see the appeal taken up by a number of our volunteers at stations and in service through our Spring Steam Gala.

“One of our volunteers, and a very fine model maker, Dave Fenny, has made a brilliant model of the bridge, which is on display to the public on Platform One of Pickering Station.

“This allows our visitors to see what it is all about, and to make donations towards the appeal.”

He said: “The renewal is now an urgent priority.

“We are doing what we can, when we can, to help raise the funds.

“The stark reality is no bridge, no railway.”

To support the appeal, cheques should be made payable to NYMHRT Ltd and sent to appeal office, 12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AJ.

Alternatively you can make an onlinie donation, at bridgeandwheels.co.uk