THE crowds turned out in force to raise a pint at this year's Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Beer and Music Festival.

The event, which ran across three sites at Keighley, Ingrow and Oxenhope, began last Thursday (Oct 19) and organisers have estimated that around 2,500 to 3,000 people visited the occasion.

Discerning ale drinkers had around 150 beers from across the country to choose from and there was also a selection of cider and wine on the menu for visitors who enjoyed those as their tipple of choice.

As in previous years, special beers had been brewed for the festival from the Kirkstall, Ossett and Timothy Taylor breweries.

And in a new twist for 2017, artisan gin was available at Oxenhope Railway Station, with a 'Cocktail & Gin Shack' at the new Ingrow site.

Until the festival closed on Sunday visitors were also able to enjoy live bands at both the Exhibition Hall at Oxenhope and in the marquee at Ingrow.

Sarah Howsen, from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, said: "It has been busy again – because of the weather we were a bit cautious and thought it might have been quiet, but we seem to have been just as busy as last year.

"The trains were full, it was really good. Everyone was having a good time.

"We seem to have become an annual fixture on people's calendars, with visitors at this event straight away saying, 'see you next year', which is great for us.

"Apart from the Santa trains it's the biggest event we run on the railway."

Ms Howsen added that Saturday (Oct 21) was the main day for live music and bands, while Sunday was a special family friendly day, with plenty of activities for younger visitors to enjoy at Ingrow Station.

Among the entertainment laid on for the youngsters were performances by Tall Paul the magician, as well as face painting and balloon modelling.

Money raised at the festival will go towards supporting the running costs of the railway, which famously appeared in the 1970 film The Railway Children.

Earlier this year, it also hosted the iconic steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman.