Legendary music producer and rail enthusiast, Pete Waterman, is giving his backing to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s “Bridge & Wheels” Appeal, which seeks to raise £1 million for a vital bridge replacement and the restoration of an historic steam engine.

He met recently with officials to be appraised of the progress of the Appeal, which seeks to raise sufficient funds to cover the cost of renewing Bridge 30, between Goathland and Grosmont, together with the cost of restoring a tank engine 80135, which is owned by the Railway.

Since its launch at the end of March, the Appeal has raised £170,000 through public donation including the generous support of the Railway’s own Members.   An additional £300,000 has been pledged by North Yorkshire County Council towards the bridge renewal as part of the Government’s commitment to transport-related projects in North Yorkshire over the next two years.   The Railway has also submitted an application for European assistance to the tune of £100,000 and should know the outcome in mid-September.

Bridge 30 lies about a quarter of a mile north of Goathland station in a remote location.  The bridge is over 150 years old and has become life expired.  It carries the railway over Eller Beck near Darnholme and needs to be removed and replaced over the winter months.    Engine 80135 is a 53 year old British Railways standard class 2-6-4T tank engine.   The loco was originally built at Brighton loco works in 1956 and now needs to undergo a complete restoration so that it can be brought back into use with regularity.

Commenting on his decision to back the Appeal, Mr Waterman said:

“This is unquestionably one of the best heritage steam railways in the country.    When I heard about the Appeal I realised immediately just how significant this is.   It deserves our support.   The NYMR is vital to the future well-being of the heritage steam railway movement.  It is also vital to the local and regional economy, bringing as it does some 300,000 visitors into North Yorkshire and contributing some £30 million per year into the economy.   I am giving the Appeal my full backing and would encourage all who have visited the Railway and who wish it to continue, to get behind the Appeal.”

Mr Waterman, who was last seen at the Moors Railway in September 2008, opening a newly constructed carriage works, has agreed to be the Guest of Honour at a Fundraising Ball in support of the Appeal on Saturday, 28 November, at the National Railway Museum.   It is a black tie dinner featuring live music and a wealth of attractive raffle prizes.  A total of 500 seats are available for purchase, at a cost of £50 per head and anyone wishing to purchase tickets, or join the list of sponsors, can find out more by contacting the event co-ordinator, Lesley Benham, at Lesley.benham@nymr.co.uk or by calling 01751 473799.

Grand Central Railway has already given its commitment to act as a sponsor.   Entertainment will be provided by the New York Dance Band.  Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter, Sarah McCluskey, will also perform, to mark the launch of her debut album “Last Train Home”.  The unsigned artist collaborated with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in order to use photography for her new debut Album and has agreed for a percentage of the sales from her new album to be dedicated to the Appeal.