CROWDS turned out in force to raise a pint at this year’s Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Beer and Music Festival.

The event, which runs across three sites at Keighley, Ingrow and Oxenhope, began on Thursday and organisers say the festival welcomed around 2,500 to 3,000 people across the four days.

Discerning ale drinkers had around 150 beers from across the country to choose from and there was also a selection of cider and wine on the menu for visitors who enjoy those as their tipple of choice.

As in previous years, special beers were brewed for the event from the Kirkstall, Ossett and Timothy Taylor breweries.

And in a fresh addition for 2017, artisan gin was available at Oxenhope station and there was a ‘Cocktail & Gin Shack’ at the new Ingrow site.

Visitors also took in live bands and music at both Exhibition Hall at Oxenhope and in the marquee at Ingrow.

Sarah Howsen, from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, said: “It has been busy again - we thought with the weather it might have been quiet but the first two days were just as busy as last year.

“Everyone seems to have had a really good time.

“There’s regulars that come every year and it’s nice that they do come back year on year to support it.

“Even in the bouncing rain, the trains were packed and everyone was enjoying themselves.”

She added that the mix of beer and music, along with the unique railway location was a pull for the crowds.

Saturday was the main day for live music and Sunday was a family friendly day, with activities for younger visitors to enjoy.

At Ingrow, magician Tall Paul kept people entertained as the festival got underway on its fourth and final day.

Youngsters could also enjoy face painting and balloon modelling.

Money raised at the festival will be put back into the railway, which famously appeared in the 1970 film The Railway Children.

It also hosted the world-famous steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman earlier in the year.

With the festive season just around the corner, upcoming events include the railway’s Santa Specials, which run on weekends from November 25 up until Christmas Eve.

A carol service train will also run on December 16. Visit kwvr.co.uk for more.