The age of steam and diesel were right on track to delight thousands of weekend rail enthusiasts at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Volunteers got up a head of steam for nostalgic travellers wanting to sample rides with the big old engines at the society’s annual diesel weekend.

Visitors were also treated to the sight of one of the most historic of all steam trains, the Bahamas, housed at Keighley and set for a £900,000 restoration.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, and his counterpart from Manchester, Councillor Elaine Boyes, steamed in to join the celebrations, and admire the old engine, after the Bahamas Locomotive Society was awarded a £775,800 lottery grant.

The society will add £130,000 it has raised towards a three-year restoration programme aimed at having it running again on a main line.

Coun Smith was delighted to be part of the day.

“I am a trustee at the Shipley Glen Tramway and I love steam and diesel trains,” he said. “I remember getting soot in my hair looking out of the windows as a child.

“After looking round the train sheds, we are having a ride on a diesel train and then having lunch at the famous Grouse Inn at Oakworth, so I am looking forward to a special day.”

Keith Whitmore, director of the Bahamas Locomotive Society, said the Bahamas, built in 1935, had a special place in the story of steam because when its double chimney was fitted in 1961, it was the last piece of engineering to improve a steam locomotive.

It was also one of the first steam locos to return to the main line, in 1972, but it had last run on the Keighley and Worth Valley line in 1997.

Mr Whitmore said: “The Bahamas was saved and did not go for scrap. Now we have been awarded the lottery money, we can look forward to her running on a main line again, which is very exciting and something to celebrate.”

Trevor England, vice-chairman of the KWVR, and chairman of the Vintage Carriages Trust, said it was fantastic the Jubilee class steam engine would be working on the line again.

Mr England said it was hoped more than 4,000 visitors would enjoy the annual diesel weekend.

“Engines from the Scottish Rail Preservation Society, and from the North York Moors Railway, are here, and we are expecting to be very busy.

“The diesel trains bring in the younger generation who remember them, and we hope that by default they then get to learn about the steam trains.”

John Greenwood had travelled from Manchester to catch a diesel train from Ingrow station. He said: “I don’t have much time today, so I am just going to Haworth, but I am interested in railways and come here two or three times a year.

“I am very impressed, it is a good set up. I prefer the steam trains, but I like the diesels, too.”

Edward Parkes, from Barnsley, visits every year. He said: “It’s brilliant to relive former days and, although I prefer steam, the diesels do have a bit of nostalgia as well. I love the railways.”

The first train to arrive at the station, a large, bright yellow diesel engine, pulling six old-style carriages in chocolate and maroon livery, was packed with travellers, including families and passengers slaking their thirst in the Jubilee Bar.

Some craned their heads out of the old slide-down windows as the train pulled out and headed for Ingrow Tunnel.