Young blood is taking over on the footplate at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

At the age of 27, Paul Brown has been elected chairman of the society that runs the steam railway and is the youngest person to take the top-ranking post in 40 years.

The last man to be chairman at such a young age was the late Keighley MP Bob Cryer, who was a founder of the railway.

Mr Cryer, who died in 1994, was also only 27 when he took on the role in 1962, staying at the helm for ten years.

Mr Brown has the job of leading the 20-strong governing body, or council as it is known - five of whom are in their 20s.

Joining him is another youngster, 20-year-old Sam MacDougall, a former pupil of Bradford Grammar School, who is the new vice-chairman.

"We want to encourage even more young blood," said Mr Brown, who joined the railway as a 16-year-old.

Mr Brown, of Fir Street, Haworth, works as a volunteer in the carriage and wagon restoration department as well as driving diesels.

"When I first joined the council in 1994 I was the youngest ever to have a place," he said.

"Now more and more young people are joining.

"It seems to have happened over the last four years.

"I think they are drawn by the living history element.

"And the good thing is young people are encouraged to speak out.

"It's not a closed shop. They can have an important voice."

He said his ambition was to increase the number of visitors and give them more opportunity to get hands-on experience.

Mr MacDougall, who works for Arriva Trains as a conductor, has been a member for nine years.

"I was extremely surprised when I was elected but very proud," he said.

"I had been on the management committee for two years so I was familiar with the work.

"We need young people to ensure the long term future of the railway, so it's encouraging to see more people like me getting involved."

The railway has 5,000 members, about 300 of whom are working volunteers.

It employs two full-time fitters and three part-time workers and about ten temporary staff throughout the summer when trains run every day.

About 105,000 people visit the five- mile line between Keighley and Oxenhope every year.

Anyone wanting more information about membership should telephone (01535) 645214.