STEAM train fans were out in force today when the Waverley excursion service steamed up the Aire Valley.

The special train, hauled by the Galatea locomotive, was heading up over the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Railway Line to Appleby and Carlisle.

Enthusiasts were at Shipley station this morning to see the train arrived to pick up passengers for the excursion.

The special service also stopped to pick up more passengers at Keighley and Skipton before going on to Settle and the famous line to Carlisle.

It was due to return the same way this afternoon.

The Waverleyis due to be pulled by The Bahamas locomotive next Sunday on the same route and the same loco or The Leander is due to pull it on the 25th and September 18.

The Tornado steam locomotive is due to return to the district later this year pulling excursion trains.