BOSSES at one of York's most prestigious museums have pledged to keep their doors open despite the threat of industrial action.

Worried parents have called the National Railway Museum to ask whether it will close during a one-day strike planned for the middle of the half-term holiday.

Museum head Andrew Scott said it will be "business as usual" next Wednesday as not all staff were members of the two striking unions.

Thousands of visitors have been flocking to the Leeman Road centre for the 60th anniversary of Thomas The Tank Engine, one of the centre's most popular attractions.

But members of the Prospect and PCS trade unions have voted in favour of a 24-hour strike after rejecting a 2.5 per cent pay increase offer earlier this month.

The pay offer was made by the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI), which also runs the National Museum of Film, Photography and Television in Bradford and the Science Museum in London.

Representatives from both unions said today that discussions between them and the NMSI were ongoing to try to resolve the dispute.

Mr Scott said: "As always, the safety and enjoyment of visitors on our premises is paramount.

"We are carrying out a full evaluation of the situation to determine what impact the proposed day of strike action will have.

"However, as only a proportion of NRM staff are involved, we hope to maintain our normal services.

"Whilst we do understand the reasons behind the proposed day of industrial action, the fact remains that since our core funding from the Government has not kept up with inflation, we are unable to improve on the offer and provide the settlement we would wish to give our staff.

Graham Stratfold, head of visitor services, said: "There have been one or two inquiries from the public regarding the potential for industrial action at the National Railway Museum and we would like to reassure people that we are currently open for business as usual."

The National Railway Museum is open every day from 10am onwards. Admission is free, but separate charges apply for A Day Out With Thomas.

Updated: 10:08 Friday, February 11, 2005