Change at the top for heritage railway

After 11 years at the helm, managing director Philip Benham is retiring from the post in the autumn and he will be replaced in the role by Chris Price, who is currently general manager at the Talyllyn Railway, the historic narrow-gauge railway in Mid-Wales.

Mike Child, chairman of the Railway Trust’s operating company said: “The managing director’s role is a particularly challenging one, working with several hundred volunteers and staff. Responsibilities range from making sure the railway, vintage steam engines and carriages are in good working order, to ensuring every passenger enjoys their experience, visiting our stations and travelling on our trains.

“In Chris, we have found someone of great experience with a strong record of achievement on another award-winning railway. As a heritage charity with no public funding, Chris will play a leading role in ensuring that the NYMR continues to enthuse future generations of visitors to the North York Moors. We are confident that he is the right person to further develop NYMR as a vibrant heritage business, enabling us to grow and improve the visitor experience on the railway. We warmly welcome him on board.”

Mr Price said: “The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is known by millions, who have either enjoyed a journey through the line’s spectacular scenery, or who have seen it on television. I am honoured that the directors feel that I am the right person to take on this huge responsibility, and am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

The out-going Mr Benham added said he was confident Mr Price would lead the railway on to even greater success in the future.

Mr Price will take up the role in October, when he will be responsible for the daily services between Whitby and Pickering through the North York Moors National Park.