A LOCAL author is helping to raise £1m through the sales of his new book to boost a fundraising appeal on the North York Moors Railway.

Former North Yorkshire Police officer Mike Pannett is to release his book You’re Coming With Me Lad.

The humorous story covers policing in the Ryedale and North York Moors areas and it is set to be launched on June 25.

Mr Pannett has included a special reference to the railway’s Bridges and Wheels appeal in You’re Coming With Me Lad.

Bosses at the North York Moors Railway hope the novel will help to push people to support their appeal.

The campaign seeks £350,000 to restore a British Rail 80135 engine by volunteers.

The group also needs a further £650,000 to replace a 140-year-old iron bridge carrying a single track railway on the line.

The bridge spans a River Esk tributary and it carries 24 trains a day on the line between Whitby and Pickering.

Mr Pannett said: "The railway is an absolutely fantastic attraction, with great people and so vital to the well-being of the local economy.

"I remember it as a lad growing up in the area, and I want it to be around for years to come.

"The fact that it will be read my millions of readers world wide should help and I hope others will follow that lead in giving their support."

The Bridges and Wheels appeal began in March and it has attracted £300,000 from North Yorkshire County Council and £110,000 from public donations.

Phil Bustard, a spokesman for the railway, said: "It’s a major boost to us and it’s very generous of Mike and his publishers.

"There will be millions of readers reading about the appeal and we hope some are encouraged to come and see what we have to offer."