THE KEIGHLEY & Worth Valley Railway will reopen on Wednesday August 19 with steam trains running every day.

The volunteer-run railway today announced its reopening as a result of a successful fundraising campaign and following the latest Government guidance.

There will be return journeys from Oxenhope, pulled by steam locomotives and passing historic stations along the way.

Private compartment carriages are available from one to eight people, a service the railway claims is not in operation anywhere else in the region.

On Sundays there will be special trains with vintage and first-class stock that is rarely used on the railway.

Each carriage will be thoroughly cleaned between journeys to make sure that everyone has a safe journey, and it will not be essential to wear a face covering onboard.

Matt Stroh, chairman of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society, it was "fantastic" to be so close to the reopening of the railway following the disappointment of its closure.

He said: "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.”

Mr Stroh said the railway had been working hard to make sure it was a safe place to visit.

He said the organisation was proud to be awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry charter mark, showing that the railway had worked hard to follow Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines and have processes in place to maintain cleanliness.

Tickets are available to buy online now, and are priced at £35 for a family of four (other pricing options are available). Visit kwvr.co.uk/back-in-steam for further information.