It is almost entirely run by volunteers who devote much of their spare time to ensuring the region's longest heritage railway is well maintained and can be enjoyed by all.

Eastern Daily Press: Mid Norfolk Railway steam gala at Dereham Train Station. The Union of South Africa. Picture: Ian BurtMid Norfolk Railway steam gala at Dereham Train Station. The Union of South Africa. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

But thanks to their hard work the popularity of the Mid-Norfolk Railway has soared to a point that the board of trustees has decided to make a significant appointment.

They have decided to take on a salaried general manager whose role will involve leading, managing and motivating the volunteers and staff and developing business opportunities to maximise the railway's income.

Chairman Barry Woodgett said they had reached a 'tipping point'.

He said: ''We have been considering it for quite a while. We have grown and grown and although our volunteers are very professional many have full time jobs as well and it has got to a point that we really need someone to co-ordinate the efforts which have become very demanding.

Eastern Daily Press: Mid Norfolk Railway 80s weekendMid Norfolk Railway 80s weekend (Image: Archant)

'We need the right person, someone who can lead and get on with our volunteers and who can increase the business. They will be a focal point, easily contactable and someone who knows about charitable businesses and ideally who has railway experience who knows how they work.

'People think we are playing trains here but we are not. Having saved the railway we need to make it sustainable, and grow and take it forward.

'It is quite a big step but we want to be as successful as possible and with that comes more work.

'It needs to be someone quite special.'

According to the job description on the MNR website salary will be negotiable and written applications should include a curriculum vitae and a covering letter with reasons for applying and the skills and experience they have to offer.

It should be sent to The Chairman. Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust Railway Trust, Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.

The closing date is January 30.

For an informal discussion contact Barry Woodgett. MNR Chairman on 07940 376600 or email at chairman@mnr.org.uk.

For more information visit the website www.mnr.org.uk.