THE family of a rail worker who died after becoming trapped between two trains on a North Yorkshire heritage railway have paid tribute to the "caring husband and father".

Former police officer Robert Lund, 65, from Beverley, was killed in an incident at Grosmont station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on Monday, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed while British Transport Police is also investigating.

In a statement, Mr Lund’s family said he was a volunteer rail worker who started as a ticket inspector before becoming a train guard, saying: “Robert was a reliable and caring husband and father who was always a keen railway enthusiast and enjoyed playing for the Humberside Police rugby team.”

They said he retired from the force in 1997 and continued to work as a civilian before retiring last year, adding: "We would appreciate peace and quiet to remember Robert during this difficult time."

The railway has reopened following the tragedy, with its general manager Philip Benham saying there was a "very sombre mood" among staff and volunteers.

He said the railway would carry out its own investigation alongside those of the police and regulatory authorities.