KEIGHLEY railway enthusiasts are supporting the storm-ravaged islands that gave their name to a historic steam loco.

The Bahamas Locomotive Society has opened a book of condolence in its museum at Ingrow station where people can express sorrow at the disaster.

It is holding a collection amongst members and museum visitors to raise cash for relief work following the devastation caused by Storm Dorian.

Soon after the storm hit the Caribbean island chain, Bahamas chairman Keith Whitmore wrote to the country’s High Commissioner to express the society’s “sympathy and solidarity” at the devastation and loss of human life.

The Bahamas Locomotive Society owns the LMS Jubilee Class Locomotive 45596 Bahamas, which like its fellow Jubilee locomotives locos was named after a Commonwealth nation.

Now based on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Bahamas recently underwent a £1 million restoration with Heritage Lottery Fund cash.

Representatives of the Bahamas Tourist Board were among passengers when the train this year returned to the mainline after a 25-year absence.

In his letter, Mr Whitmore recalled that “joyful” occasion, and said members had always had a close relationship with the Bahamas islands for over 50 years.

He said: “We are in particular thinking of the islands after which our locomotive is named at this particular sad time and we are thinking of and praying for the families who have lost loved ones and have had their homes and businesses destroyed through this natural disaster.”

Keighley town mayor Peter Corkindale last Sunday became the first person to sign the book of condolence at Ingrow Loco.

Mr Whitmore said: “Peter felt quite emotional about it. His was the first signature and we’ve had a lot more signatures since then.”

The book of condolence will remain at the railway museum this weekend for visitors and local people to sign.

The Bahamas Society held a two-minute silence and a collection during its annual general meeting last weekend, and will forward supportive messages it receives to the High Commissioner.

Storm Dorian killed at least 43 people but hundreds are still missing, and 70,000 need food and shelter.