Steam train visits Bradford for City of Culture

A steam train is set to leave Bradford and head north along the famous Settle-Carlisle line as part of celebrations for UK City of Culture.

The West Yorkshireman service has been chartered by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company to mark the line's 150th anniversary and 200 years of passenger railways.

It will leave Bradford Forster Square Station at 08:30 BST before stopping to pick up passengers at Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Skipton and Settle and heading to Carlisle.

John Moorhouse from the not-for-profit company said he wanted to "provide a unique opportunity to communities in this area of our line to experience the power of steam and celebrate our railway history and culture".

He added: "This is a very special year for the Settle-Carlisle line, marking the 150th anniversary of the line opening.

"It is also a very important year for the rail industry as we celebrate Rail200, the 200th anniversary of passenger rail.

"With Bradford also celebrating being the City of Culture, we wanted to mark these events in a special way - and what could be more spectacular than a steam engine pulling out of Bradford to take in the views along the Settle-Carlisle line?"

Passengers will be able to explore the landmarks of Carlisle, including the castle, cathedral and Tullie House Museum, before returning via the West Coast Main Line and the Bentham Line.

The West Yorkshireman will be hauled by the preserved locomotive the LMS 7P Scots Guardsman for the journey.

The company was set up in 1992 to support the line, which was at one point under threat of closure, and works with volunteers to maintain stations along the route.

Steam charters do not regularly call at Forster Square as the station is a terminus.

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