THE Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) will reopen on Wednesday, August 19 following the latest Government guidance and a successful fundraising campaign.

It will be operating steam-hauled return journeys from Oxenhope with private compartment carriages available from one to eight people with special vintage trains running on Sundays. These Sunday specials will include Vintage and First Class stock rarely used at KWVR.

Each carriage will be thoroughly cleaned between journeys. It’s not essential to wear a face covering onboard.

Matt Stroh, chairman of the KWVR Preservation Society said: “Being so close to the re-opening of the Railway after the disappointment of closure is fantastic.

"It’s a testimony to the great team effort needed to prepare the Railway for operation in very trying circumstances, particularly with the challenge of having to recommence the work to replace a 115 year-old bridge. We’re looking forward to welcoming our passengers onboard in the coming weeks and bringing steam back to the Worth Valley.”

The railway has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry charter mark. This shows that the Railway is following Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines with processes in place to maintain cleanliness.

Tickets are available to buy online now, priced at £35 for a family of four (other pricing options are available).

To book, visit www.kwvr.co.uk/back-in-steam