The original East Lancashire Railway Company opened its line from Clifton Junction through Bury to Rawtenstall in September 1846.

By the time the East Lancashire Railway amalgamated with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway in August 1859 it owned a route of approximately 83 miles.

The present day East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, formed as early as 1966, now operates over a modest eight miles between Bury and Rawtenstall.

Future plans include the re-opening of the four mile stretch of the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway line between Bury and Heywood.

It was 25th July 1987 before the ELR was in a position to run its first service train between Bury and Ramsbottom.

The remaining section of the route to Rawtenstall was opened in 1991.

This programme shows the history of the Bury - Rawtenstall line from the original opening in 1846 through to re-opening and subsequent rapid development over the past few years.

Major features and stations along the route are studied, together with the resident locomotive fleet, alongside an impressive line up of mainline performers that are regularly seen in attendance.

Motive power includes: 5407, 5337, 46441, 1300, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, 71000 Duke of Gloucester, 46229 Duchess of Hamilton, 4472 Flying Scotsman, 5080 Defiant, D335 and D7612.

Produced by - On Track Productions
Running time - 60 Minutes
DVD only