29th June 1968, 55 years ago since the reopening special.

41241 LMS Ivatt Class 2MT in its ‘KWVR’ Crimson livery piloted 30072 out of Keighley Station with the re-opening special to Oxenhope Station, a selection of images from the historic day from the KWVR Archive.

In 1962, the branch line was closed by British Railways, and A Preservation Society was formed which created a Company to buy the line outright, lease access to Keighley station, and operate a regular public service. After many years of volunteer struggle, the line re-opened to passenger traffic in June 1968, although that dream of operating a regular public service never came to fruition.

Preserving the history and heritage of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway takes a lot of hard work from our volunteers, generous donations and strong membership. If you want to join as a member or volunteer, follow the links below.