Retired fire officers from the York area climb aboard the latest exhibit at the National Railway Museum, a 1912 Dennis fire engine, with the Culture Secretary Chris Smith, who visited the museum today to launch the start of free admission for all over-60s Picture: Frank Dwyer

Culture Secretary Chris Smith was this afternoon heralding free admission to the National Railway Museum in York for the over-60s.

He was visiting the historic railway centre at lunchtime to announce the free access for pensioners, which many other national museums will offer from Saturday.

Mr Smith said: "The Government is determined to make the best of our culture and heritage freely available to the greatest possible number.

"Our national museums and galleries contain renowned collections which, from this week, will be free for both children up to 17 and the over-60s.

"I'm delighted that the 50,000 pensioners who visit the award-winning National Railway Museum each year will in future be able to go for free.

"We have already announced the biggest ever increase in funding for the country's culture and heritage.

"Our policies on increasing access to museums and galleries show how this investment works - ensuring the best is available to the widest possible number, regardless of income."

Hugh Bayley, MP for York, said: "It's wrong to put a barrier of entry charges between people and their history, especially at the National Railway Museum, in York, where so may of our pensioners shaped that history with a lifetime of work for the railways."

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