AN appeal that could save one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways has passed its first critical milestone.

The North York Moors Railway’s Bridge and Wheels appeal aims to raise £1m to restore an engine and, more crucially, to replace a vital river crossing.

And only weeks after the appeal was launched the organisation has raised £100,000 from public donations with another £300,000 pledged.

Although the railway wants £350,000 to restore an engine - British Rail’s 80135 - the vital element is the £650,000 needed to replace a 173-year-old iron bridge.

The single-track bridge, over a tributary of the River Esk, currently carries 24 trains a day as they travel between Pickering and Whitby.

However it has reached the end of its life and needs to be renewed.

"If we do not get the bridge replaced, then we will not have a railway and that is a worrying feeling, not just for us, but for the local community, too," said the railway’s marketing manager Phil Bustard.

Currently the railway brings about 300,000 visitors a year to the area - and as a result contributes around £18m to the local economy annually.

Support for the appeal has been forthcoming from the railway’s life members, and from members of the public attending gala events.

The railway has also had a pledge of £300,000 from North Yorkshire County Council.

A bid is also likely to be made for £100,000 from the LEADER programme - European money aimed at communities on the North York Moors which has £2.6m for community schemes over the next four years.

Mr Bustard said: "It has been pleasing to see the appeal taken up by a number of our volunteers at stations and in service.

"One of our volunteers, 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."

To find out more about the appeal visit the website www.bridgeandwheels.co.uk Postal donations, with cheques payable to NYMHRT Ltd, can be sent to Appeal Office, 12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AJ.