From a new chairman to major refurbishments completed or in the pipeline, it is all steam ahead at the Mid-Norfolk Railway. 

The operators of the heritage railway have revealed its new chairman while also giving updates on the Back on Track Appeal, which will allow trains to once again run to Wymondham from Dereham.

Graham Watts, the current commercial manager, will be taking over as chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust from Charlie Robinson after the annual general meeting in September. 

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Watts, the current commercial manager, will be the MNR chairman from September 2023 Graham Watts, the current commercial manager, will be the MNR chairman from September 2023 (Image: Mid-Norfolk Railway)

Mr Robinson said: "I am extremely pleased that Graham is taking on the role.

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"During my tenure, the railway has developed significantly, most notably with the continuing development and success of the Polar Express.

Eastern Daily Press: The refurbished Wymondham Church Lane Signal BoxThe refurbished Wymondham Church Lane Signal Box (Image: Mid-Norfolk Railway)

"I will be remaining on the Trust Council and look forward to supporting Graham in his new role."

The announcement comes as the railway’s Back on Track Appeal to fund the refurbishment of Crownthorpe Bridge and the associated track approaches £30,0000 in public donations, with work now being planned.

Meanwhile, the former Spooner Row Signal Box, now the Wymondham Church Lane Signal Box, has been completely refurbished and the level crossing at Garvestone has been replaced.

Eastern Daily Press: The level crossing at Garvestone has been replaced The level crossing at Garvestone has been replaced (Image: MNR)

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The Dereham Station Buffet and Tearoom is now being run by a new catering manager, who previously ran the café at Norwich's catholic cathedral. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Back on Track appeal will fund the refurbishment of Crownthorpe Bridge - restoring services to WymondhamThe Back on Track appeal will fund the refurbishment of Crownthorpe Bridge - restoring services to Wymondham (Image: Mid-Norfolk Railway)

Among the special events running this year are the returning Breckland Fryer and Afternoon Tea services and the new Black Shuck Express gin-tasting experience. 

Mr Watts, in his current capacity as commercial manager, said: "As a charity, it is important we have a wide variety of services to offer the public that will generate the revenue that will be used to achieve the charity’s objectives of both refurbishing and preserving the railway and East Anglian Railway heritage." 

Book tickets or donate to the appeal at midnorfolkrailway.co.uk