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Tributes paid to "Father of the Railway" and his wife

Erica and Tom Salmon Credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has today paid tribute to the man they described as the "Father of the Railway" and his wife.

The couple died within just one day of each other, with Erica Salmon passing away on Christmas Eve, quickly followed by Tom Salmon on Christmas morning.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Credit: Benjamin Hopkins

Tom Salmon was one of the founders of what is now the world's most popular heritage railway, and his wife was a long-term supporter.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway said:

"It was Tom who first called together the meeting of the preservation society to his house back in 1967.

Our thoughts and prayers are now with Tom and Erica's family. The volunteers and staff of the NYMR could not be more grateful for all they have both done for the Railway."

Tom Salmon (centre) at the signing of the contract with British Railways to buy the track from Grosmont to Ellerbeck Credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The railway is running over the Christmas and New Year period until 5 January and wreaths will be placed on the front of the engines.