A KEIGHLEY charitable trust which supports newly-arrived families – including refugees and asylum seekers – has taken to the tracks.

Around 90 people enjoyed a trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, organised by the Good Shepherd Centre.

The party – which included all age groups – travelled from Keighley to Oxenhope, where a community picnic was held.

Members then visited Central Park in Haworth before returning to Keighley on the day's last steam train.

Trust secretary Graham Mitchell said the trip was a huge success.

"It was a truly international event – with 11 different nationalities involved," he said.

"Afghan, Burundian, Czech, English, Irish, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Rwandan and Slovakian families were present and there was a wonderful spirit of joy and love evident throughout the day.

"Although all members of the party live in Keighley, for most of them this was their very first journey on our internationally-famous steam heritage railway and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Such events are also important to integrate families from many different countries and cultures into local life in Keighley."

The Good Shepherd Centre – based in the parish of Our Lady of Victories and St Anne – provides a range of support and advice, including free English language classes.

"The charity follows the lead given by Pope Francis and other faith leaders that we should focus on those who have abandoned their homelands in search of a better future for themselves and their families," added Mr Mitchell.

"It is supported by a large group of volunteers and a wide network of 'Friends of the Good Shepherd' from many traditions, and co-operates closely with the Salvation Army and All Saints' Church in Highfield in its charitable work."