The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is on track for a bumper season.

The famous five-mile line finished last year with increased passenger numbers, and bosses say the signals are good for 2002.

Despite fewer operating days, the foot and mouth crisis and the terrorist atrocity of September 11, the railway still carried 101,193 passengers in 2001 -- just 3 per cent down on the previous year.

And in November and December the figure was 8 per cent up on the same period 12 months earlier.

Income has also risen, with many visitors taking advantage of special offers or becoming members of the railway's preservation society.

Spokesman Roger France said: "The figures released this week are excellent, given the difficulties that local tourism has faced.

"We have a full programme of services and events and are looking forward to a busy season."