One of the region's most popular attractions, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), has been awarded £750,000 support its charitable activities.

The heritage railway has been awarded the grant by Arts Council England to help continue its work in conservation, preservation, education and engaging communities.

It will receive £250,000 per year for the next three years which will be used across a variety of projects and activities.

These include restoring visitor numbers to pre-Covid levels, expanding the NYMR's dining services and improving the educational offer to school groups.

Chris Price, CEO at NYMR, said the team were 'extremely excited' to be one of the first operational heritage railways to the special funding.

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He added: "This is such great news and a real testament to the work that we do; it’s also recognition of the importance of NYMR to the region, both economically and culturally, and allows us to continue our work and reach even more individuals, groups and communities to share our passion for the history of the region through steam travel.”

Arts Council England Chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “As well as continuing our commitment to our many established and renowned cultural organisations, I am deeply proud of the support we will be giving to those new organisations which will help ignite creativity across the country.

"We are facing economic pressures at present, but this funding is about an investment in our future.

"This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists.

"In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.”

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