Duke of Kent visits Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

His Royal Highness became patron of the KWVR Preservation Society following a visit to the railway in July 2008. 

KWVR is currently hosting the Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, to mark its landmark 100th birthday. 

The Duke of Kent with volunteer Andy Simkins. Picture: Tom Marshall/KWVR (Image: Tom Marshall/KWVR)

The iconic line shot to fame in the 1970 film The Railway Children and its popularity and charm has endured over the years. 

Dr Matthew Stroh, chairman of the preservation society, said: "It was wonderful to be able to welcome our royal patron, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent KG, on a very special day for the railway, as we are running the first day of our sell-out Flying Scotsman-hauled services.

"HRH’s eyes lit up when he realised he was going to be able to visit the footplate of the iconic locomotive and he was particularly intrigued by the complexity of the controls.

Welcomed by crowds at Oxenhope. Picture: Tom Marshall/KWVR (Image: Tom Marshall/KWVR)

"The Duke also met our many volunteers who were working hard behind the scenes in our carriage works at Oxenhope, and marvelled at the locos in our Exhibition Shed."

Telegraph & Argus reader Les Taylorson was amazed to see the Duke of Kent while on a visit to the railway to mark his 74th birthday. 

He received the gift from his daughter, Laura, and he and his wife Carole enjoyed a cream tea while being transported by the famous locomotive. 

He said: "It was a fantastic birthday gift and I was absolutely thrilled to see the Duke of Kent when we arrived at Oxenhope station, it really made the day so special and a birthday experience that I will always treasure."