Goathland Yorkshire England United Kingdom - Visitors to Britain's biggest heritage railway have helped boost its appeal to restore a 140-year-old bridge.
 
North Yorkshire Moors Railway bosses launched the Bridge and Wheel Appeal at the end of March, in an attempt to restore the bridge, just north of Goathland, through donations from the public and local businesses.
 
Bridge 30 was built of cast iron, but is now reaching the end of its working life.
 
If £1 million is not found within 18 months, there is a risk the bridge may have to be closed.
 
Since March, visitors travelling on the railway's Pullman carriages have been giving their loose change towards the appeal, raising more than £5,500.
 
So far, £175,000 has been raised in total through public donations and the railway's own members towards the appeal.
 
A further pledge of £300,000 has been made from North Yorkshire County Council, and the railway has also applied for a grant of £100,000.
 
In a bid to raise more funds, a fund raising walk has been arranged for Sunday, 8 Nov 2009, leaving from Goathland station at 10:00 with walkers escorted on the moors railway line to the site of Bridge 30.
 
The distance is under a mile each way and participants are asked to donate £5 per person towards the appeal, and to pre-book their tickets by phoning 01751 473799.
 
A fund raising ball has also been arranged for Saturday, 28 Nov 2009 to be held at the National Railway Museum.
 
Tickets are available priced at £50 to include a four course meal and entertainment.
 
High value prizes will also be auctioned, and celebrity guests include legendary record producer and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman, who is backing the Bride and Wheels Appeal.
 
Further details are available from Lesley Benham or by phoning 01751 473799.
 
Work is due to start on the bridge this winter and is set to be finished by March 2010.
 
Author unknown.