THE boss of one of York’s top attractions is to stand down after 15 years at the helm.

Andrew Scott is to retire as director of the National Railway Museum (NRM) later this year.

He said: “I am immensely proud of having worked for the National Railway Museum for the past fifteen years. The NRM is a world class organisation and I am sad to be leaving at such an exciting time in its history.

“However, having reached the milestone age of 60, it seemed the right time to stand back and allow someone else to take the reins.”

Under Mr Scott’s tenure, the NRM has become the most visited museum outside London and has won numerous awards including European Museum of the Year.

He has also led the first stage of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the planned £20 million redevelopment of the Great Hall, in its “NRM+” programme.

A spokeswoman said the recruitment process for Mr Scott’s successor was already underway and it was hoped a new director would be in place by the autumn. In the interim Andrew will be continuing in his role until the successful candidate is appointed.

Sir Howard Newby, Chairman of the NRM advisory board, said: “Under Andrew’s leadership the NRM has enjoyed record visitor numbers and it is now developing plans to take visitors on an even more exciting journey to discover how railways helped shape today’s world.”