PLANS to convert a stone water tower on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway into a visitor centre have been submitted to Bradford Council.

Under the scheme, passengers on the five-mile line would be able to learn more about the railway and the tower itself, which dates back to 1883 and once formed an important part of the day-to-day running of steam trains.

A planning application to convert the listed structure includes the proposed creation of a new entrance.

Council conservation officer Jon Ackroyd says: "Although once relatively commonplace, such structures are now rare, especially still in functional order. The tower complements the heritage character of platforms 3 and 4 of Keighley Station.

"It is proposed to adapt the interior to be capable of more flexible and accessible use, and to provide interpretation of the history and purpose of the tower.

"The proposals will enable greater use of the structure."