North Yorkshire Moors Railway launches 'Cash for Coal' appeal

Fuel cost rises are not just affecting households and road users; the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been hit by a doubling in coal costs over the last year, which has prompted a fundraising campaign for 2012 called ‘Cash for Coal’, launched today in Pickering.

The railway, which is a registered charity, uses around 2500 tonnes of coal each year to fuel its steam engines, which run on the 24 mile stretch between Pickering and Whitby.

“We’ve all seen the cost of operating a car increase – in the last five years, an average litre of diesel has risen from 97p in 2007 to £1.43 per litre today, which affects the diesel engines that we operate, but the difference in coal has been even more pronounced, doubling in price which massively increases our running costs,” says NYMR’s general manager, Philip Benham. “We’re reluctant to put up fares to help cover these costs, so instead decided to ask for contributions to our ‘Cash for Coal’ appeal.”

The railway is able to claim back around 24p of tax per donated pound from donations made by UK taxpayers using the Gift Aid scheme, which will further help boost the coal bunker coffers. It is hoped that the campaign will raise £350,000 towards the railway’s fuel costs over the course of the year.

“Our fundraising target equates to about £1 per person or a shovel full of coal travelling on the railway, but if coal and diesel prices continue to rise at these rates, we may have to move our final target, too!” adds Philip.

Donations can be made on the trains or at any of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway stations, or by texting COAL12 £1 to 70070 or online at http://www.justgiving.com/nymc

Daily services resume on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on 31 March for the school Easter holidays. Fares are £22.50 for adults, £19.50 for seniors and £13.50 for children for a day rover ticket allowing unlimited travel between Pickering and Whitby. A family ticket (two adults and up to four children) is available for just £45.00. Children under five ride free.

For more information, please call 01751 472508, visit www.nymr.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @NYMR or Facebook @North Yorkshire Moors Railway

ENDS

Picture shows:  Adrian Dennis, steam locomotive fitter for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway with a shovel full of pound coins to represent the high cost of coal.

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