Over the last century, it has played a vital role in thousands of journeys.

Now, after 116 years in the same location, it has undertaken an epic journey of its own.

Rail enthusiasts have transported an historic signal box 83 miles to a steam railway in the district.

In summer 2007, volunteers at the steam railway heard that Sleights Sidings East signal box, in Pinxton, was available for sale, having been saved from demolition when it was decommissioned in June.

It had been moved to a scrap yard opposite its original location and, on inspection, proved to be in excellent condition and a worthy candidate for the Embsay and Bolton Abbey line.

The box was cut into top and bottom sections, loaded onto a low-loader and transported back to the railway, where it will be rebuilt and fitted out as a demonstration signal box, with access available to the public.

Work to tidy up the interior started as soon as it touched the ground, with broken glass removed, rubbish cleared out and old wiring removed.

Sanding and painting of the interior will take place while it is on the deck waiting for the foundations to be constructed, before it is reassembled at Bolton Abbey station before being painted externally and having a staircase built.

Tim Warner, who was involved in the ambitious plan to transport the signal box, said the move had been a big undertaking and a "great success."

He said: "The signal box will really add something to the station. The ultimate aim is to fit it out as Bolton Abbey's original was, complete with all the instruments and allow public access so they can get a feel for the job of signalman."

The box was built in 1892 by the Midland Railway company to standard design and originally fitted with a 16-lever tumbler frame and a gate wheel for the level crossing it protected.

The signal box scheme is the latest in an impressive list of projects undertaken at the railway.

Volunteers have nearly completed the construction of a new engine shed at Embsay, while Bolton Abbey station was completely rebuilt in the 1990s.