A NORTH YORKSHIRE steam railway will turn to diesel power this weekend for a gala weekend.

The Pickering-based North Yorkshire Moors Railway will host a three-day diesel gala, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the scenic 18-mile line with the help of heritage diesels.

Grosmont, Pickering, Levisham and Goathland will all be part of the event, which starts tomorrow.

Attractions include a first visit by the Thunderbird loco, named after characters from the cult TV series, as well as trade stands and memorabilia available at different pointds along the line.

Arriva Trains Northern has also promised to provide two of its Class 153 diesel trains as part of the weekend.

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "Our working relationship with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is excellent and they often give us access to the line as part of our driver training programme.

"We are delighted that we can support the gala weekend and help rail enthusiasts from across the region enjoy travelling on a wide range of diesel trains."

On Saturday morning the Arriva trains operating on the Moors Railway will set off from York at about 8am, calling at selected stations on route to Grosmont via Middlesbrough.

For more details and advance tickets phone the Arriva Trains Northern helpline on 0870 602 3322, or the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on 01751 472508.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, April 10, 2003