Anniversary of steam railway line

Part of the line re-opened in 1987

One of Lancashire's heritage railways is celebrating 20 years on the tracks.

The East Lancashire Railway ran its first service from Bury to Ramsbottom exactly two decades ago on Wednesday.

The service along four miles of the Rawtenstall line was re-opened with a steam train in 1987, which now serves about 120,000 passengers a year.

Passenger services were stopped by British Rail in 1972, and the final freight train was stopped in 1980. The line was reopened on 25 July 1987.

The railway was reopened thanks to the efforts of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, with the help of Rossendale Council and Bury Council.

To mark the anniversary a special train will replicate that first journey and a plaque will be unveiled at Ramsbottom station.