A TRAIN load of VIPs were being taken on a nostalgic steam journey today - to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first train on the East Lancashire Railway.
The preserved railway from Bury to Rawtenstall is now run by a volunteer group, who today are hosting the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, mayors, council leaders and other officials.
A 100-year-old steam loco has been polished up to haul today's train to Rawtenstall. Before the train leaves Bolton Street station in Bury, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled. Another plaque will unveiled at the Rawtenstall end.
And there will be an official hand over of the last locomotive designed by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and built at the former Horwich Loco Works.
The National Railway Museum is placing the locomotive on long term loan to the East Lancshire Railway.
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