One of Britain’s most popular heritage railway, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), has secured £2.25 million of new funding through Santander UK and the Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

NYMR is an award-winning educational charitable trust operating from Pickering to Whitby. It seeks to preserve and restore steam locomotives, diesels, stations and infrastructure, as well as passing on specialist skills and knowledge.

Pre-coronavirus, the railway carried 300,000 visitors every year with 100 full-time staff, 50 seasonal staff and a team of 500 volunteers keeping the popular attraction running smoothly.

It closed during lockdowns, reopening when it was able to do so in line with Government guidance and with social distancing measures in place. The CBILS support has enabled the Trust to keep operating and helped it to make changes so that it could continue welcoming visitors and diversify its services. Its Santa Reimagined event and Pullman Dining trains are continuing as planned, in line with Government guidance.

Finance director Garry Mumford said: “It is an understatement to say that this year has been challenging for us. But it has brought out the best in so many ways. We have had phenomenal support from our local community, which means so much and our relationship with Santander has strengthened immeasurably.

“We share a common goal, and this funding has enabled us to retain our people and keep operating with plans for the future.”

Brian McLelland, Santander UK relationship director, said: “It has been a pleasure to learn about this important historical attraction railway. I am delighted that we have been able to support the charity through this extremely challenging period and look forward to building our relationship with Garry and the team at NYMR further over the months and years ahead.”

Santander has launched a business support programme – Survive and Revive – which aims to support businesses through the uncertainty caused by the pandemic with resources and expertise. More information on Survive and Revive, including webinars and other helpful resources is available at the website (www.santanderbreakthrough.co.uk/coronavirus).