RAILWAY buffs and tourists packed Pickering at the weekend for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Some of the leading steam locomotives in the country, headed by the Sir Nigel Gresley, arrived in the town to mark the milestone.
The line-up included the B1 Mayflower, The Green Knight, Southern Class S15, Thompson Class B1, as well as the Sybilla Class 25 diesel.
The gala marked the re-opening of the railway by The Duchess of Kent, as a tourist attraction, two years after the British Rail line between Pickering and Whitby closed.
Customer service staff member, John Wexham, said: “The railway has been heaving. The anniversary gala was a great success not only for the railway, but for Pickering’s traders as well.
“We are hoping that this terrific start to our season will continue.”
Certificates were also presented to volunteers who have helped make the railway such a great success.
The 10-day 40th Anniversary Festival and Spring Steam Gala will run until Sunday and focuses on the locomotives that have contributed to the history of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
A string of other NYMR events are taking place throughout the year, visit www.nymr.co.uk for details
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