RAIL enthusiasts can enjoy the golden age of steam on the big screen at an archive film show next month.

Railways Remembered recalls the history of railways and transport in the North-west, showing vintage footage dating back as far as 1919.

Visitors will be able to enjoy informative and historic films showing locomotives from around the country, including the extensive Horwich locomotive works in the 1950s.

More than 75 wagon loads of timber per week were used at the plant in the heavy repair and overhaul of railway wagons.

The show, at Trinity Church, in Higher Market Street, Farnworth, will also feature a recently discovered 1930s documentary focusing on industrial Lancashire.

The film, Cotton County, shows the development of the county from the water wheel and cotton mill to the greatest industrial centre in Europe.

It features the export of Lancashire's many products by ship along the Manchester Ship Canal.

The films, which also touch upon British social history and industrial archaeology, will be shown on an 8ft screen, which organisers Rob Foxon and Dennis Parkinson say will bring history to life.

Mr Parkinson said: "To see the steam engines on such a large screen with all the noise and sound of the time is wonderful, much like being at the cinema.

"There are a lot of rail enthusiasts in the Bolton area and we hope the event will be popular as we plan to make it a regular thing."

The film show will be preceded by a film open day, at which enthusiasts and collectors of archive films can buy, sell and exchange equipment. The open day on February 21 runs from 10.30am until 4pm with the film show at 7pm.

Tickets for the show are £5 or £4.50 concessions and can be bought on the door or by calling Dennis Parkinson on 01204 571843 for further information.

Money raised will be used in the restoration and copying of historic footage.