Steam train services suspended on North Yorkshire Moors Railway after a series of lineside fires
Diesel locomotives will be used instead on the railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has suspended steam train services.
It follows several lineside fires that have been put down to the recent spell of dry weather.
Diesel locomotives will be used instead.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway said:
"The fires were identified by members of staff, who escalated the response to the emergency services, North York Moors National Park and local gamekeepers. The fire brigade have been in attendance, and train services will continue to operate between Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby.
"Train services will be operated by our hard working heritage diesel fleet, No. 47077 North Star, No. 31466, No. 31128 Charybdis, and No. 37264 until Monday 14 April. For fans of steam, No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will be in steam at Grosmont Station on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 April and No. 8 steam tram Lucie will be in steam on Saturday 12 April at Pickering Station operated by NYMR’s Paul 'Piglet' Middleton. Passengers should still arrive for their set departure times."
Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering said:
"It has been especially dry since March, and with the weather set to continue with little rain, we will be operating our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives on our services.
"We are working closely with local partners including the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, and wildfire groups to reduce risk as we introduce these extra safety measures.
"All of our planned services will still be running, and we hope that you enjoy your scenic journey through the North York Moors to the coast at Whitby.
"We are doing everything we can to fully cooperate with the emergency services, taking every precaution to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers, which is always our priority."