KEIGHLEY Association of Engineers has made a bit of history.

Members and guests visited the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, and became the first passengers in nearly 80 years to travel aboard a historic railcar.

The group’s visit marked the relaunch of its meetings, lectures and outings following the summer break.

Members had first visited the railway about seven years ago, when the railcar was awaiting restoration.

An association spokesman said: “The railcar – built in 1901 – was the country’s first motorised one and operated in the north-east.

“When we visited the first time, it was a wreck – without its chassis, wheel and motors.

“Some seven years have passed whilst replacements were designed and made or adapted from other vehicles and the passenger accommodation has been rebuilt as the original, in wood.

“Our latest visit coincided with the railcar being able to operate on the line.

“And after a talk describing the work that had been undertaken, we had a return trip between Embsay and Bolton Abbey – the first passengers to be carried by the railcar in nearly 80 years.

“The railcar represents an important and unique addition to the country’s railway history.”