Steam train celebrates 150 years of line

Next year marks the 150th anniversary of passenger services on the Settle-Carlisle line

A steam train has completed a journey honouring 150 years of freight services on the Settle to Carlisle line.

The first goods train ran on 2 August 1875 along the picturesque line which journeys through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Pennines and Westmorland's fells.

Peter Myers, from the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company (SCRDC), said the line was crucial in "opening up that part of country and allowed exports out and in".

On Saturday the West Yorkshireman service, hauled by a steam locomotive built in 1947, travelled from Bradford to Cumbria during Storm Amy.

SCRDC said the first freight train "helped shape the economic and industrial landscape of northern England for generations".

Next year marks the 150th anniversary of passenger services on the line, which is regarded as one of the most scenic routes in England.

The line takes in some of England's most dramatic scenery

Mr Myers said passenger services allowed "farmers to get their products to market and opened up tourism in the area".

"That tourism still stands today... it's the only of the few lines in England that I know people travel on purely for the views."

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He added that one of his favourite parts of the line was "from Appleby northwards to Carlisle, through the Eden Valley, because it is very green and looks lovely".

Speaking about the anniversary steam journey, Mr Myers said: "We were very concerned we couldn't run it because of Storm Amy, but the warnings weren't too bad in Yorkshire.

"Everyone enjoyed the views despite the inclement weather.

"It wasn't foggy, just rainy."