YORK'S National Railway Museum is welcoming back visitors today for the first time this year.

More than 10,200 people have booked to visit the attraction, which temporarily closed at the end of 2020, since tickets were released two weeks ago. Entry remains free.

As well as seeing the museum's famous locomotives and carriages, visitors will be able to see a new photographic exhibition called Railway Heroes which celebrates the work of railway workers during the pandemic.

People will also be able to take part in a new audio trail which reveals details of York’s railway heritage.

The NRM is home to the largest collection of railway objects in the world with more than 260 locomotives and rolling stock, 600 coins and medals and railway uniform, equipment, documents, records, artwork and photographs.

Prior to Covid-19, it attracted more than 750,000 visitors per year.

Visitors are being asked to observe social distancing, wear a facemask (unless exempt) and book online in advance. Ticket numbers will be limited to timed slots to help keep people safe and entry will remain free of charge.

Judith McNicol, director of the NRM, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who has booked a ticket, whether they are regular visitors, or those travelling to see us for the first time. The response so far has been really encouraging with more than 15,000 people registering to visit and we are really looking forward to reopening for the first time this year.”

Ahead of reopening, staff and volunteers have carried out additional cleaning with hand sanitiser and signage in place to help with social distancing.

The National Railway Museum will be open from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and seven days a week during school holidays.

Entrance is free but visitors must book tickets at www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit.