The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s eight-day extravaganza reached a busy conclusion today as steam trains gave way to heritage diesel locomotives.

A wonderful array of historic diesels, including a visiting class 50 and class 55, brought the curtain down on the line’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The diesel day was a fitting end to the event because the railway was the first preserved line in the country to run a diesel gala, at a time when first generation diesels were being withdrawn from the mainline.

Many who attended today’s event were keen to see the Deltic Preservation Society’s Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55 019 ‘Royal Highland Fusilier” in action.

The Deltics are a firm favourite with Yorkshire rail fans, having operated through the region for many years as the favoured motive power on the East Coast mainline before being withdrawn.

Other visitors were attracted by Class 50, 50035 Ark Royal, which made a superb sight between Keighley and Oxenhope, with its pristine BR blue paintwork glistening in the Sunday sun.

A large collection of photographers had gathered in the line side fields between Haworth and  Oxenhope as the iconic former Old Oak Common ‘hoover’ blasted up the valley.

One of them, Jordan Bell, from Huddersfield, shot the video below. The 20-year-old college student said: “It made a great sight and sound. I’m too young to remember them on the mainline, so it’s nice to be able to see one at an event like this.”

Another highlight was the appearance of a GB Railfreight class 66, which has been specially-named at the event in recognition of the railway’s milestone.

The modern, lengthy and hugely powerful loco made an unusual sight as it departed Haworth just after 12.30pm today paired with the much shorter, older yet equally interesting class 25.

While diesel buffs may have had a day to remember, steam fanatics need not worry, for steam trains will operate on the line every day from tomorrow until September 9.