MANY of the locomotives may belong to the steam age - but the operations side of one of Britain's best-known heritage railways is bang up to date.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is keeping up with the latest technology and has installed satellite telephones for guards on all its trains.

The Moorsrail trains used to have no means of communication with the stations and normal mobile phones could not be used because of problems getting a signal. Trials were held with satellite telephones using the Ividium Satellite Network and Applied Satellite Technology provided the phones, which have been installed on the trains.

"The satellite telephones means that all can be contacted, should the need arise," said a spokesman for the railway.

"Drivers can contact the stations at any time, improving our services and ensuring that any information can be passed along quickly and efficiently."

He said: "This is particularly important for the safe operation of trains and will enable immediate communication should any emergency situation arise ensuring the safety of our passengers which is paramount."