YORK'S National Railway Museum is to be paid compensation to cover the loss of admission prices, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has announced.

The museum was one of 11 across the country which today brought in free admission for all.

The move meets an election pledge by Labour to provide free access to the nation's most important museums and galleries.

Now Ms Jowell has confirmed they will receive funding for at least the next three years to allow them to make a "smooth transition" to free admission. The size of the cash award will depend on how many people are expected to visit the rail museum. It will take a share of a national pot of £13.7 million this year, rising to £28 million next year and £29.3 million in 2003. Ms Jowell said she was delighted to be able to offer the museum financial support.

She added: "This is a red letter day for our cultural heritage, with people of all ages and backgrounds able to visit our most important permanent collections free of charge. Not only is this a huge financial saving for the average family, it will also open up our museums to a far greater number of visitors.

"Now people will no longer need to plan their trips to these museums as special treats. They will be able to pop in as they please and enjoy the collections whenever they want. This is surely in the spirit of those who founded the great collections."

Ministers predict a surge in visitor numbers as a result of the free

admission policy. Figures from London's Victoria and Albert Museum show that in the week since it abolished charges on November 22, visitor numbers have more than doubled. The Government is likely to extend the funding beyond the three year period.

Updated: 09:59 Saturday, December 01, 2001