Keighley's world-famous steam railway has welcomed aboard its youngest member.

The latest recruit to the 4,800-strong society is little Alex Taylor, who is just six months old.

He is following on the footplate of his older brother Niall who, at two, is already a relatively seasoned member of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Both have now had life membership conferred on them as Christening presents by their aunt Joanne Trevenna, and her mum, Jackie.

The family -- from Milton Keynes -- is planning to visit the railway this weekend to treat Alex to his first journey on the five-mile line.

Joanne said: "We wanted to give them something different as a Christening present and we thought this was a bit different!

"We have been visiting Yorkshire and the Haworth area in particular for years and really like it. Membership of the railway -- something that will hopefully give the boys pleasure and that they will have for life -- seemed an ideal gift.

"We have travelled on the railway several times. Niall is really into Thomas the Tank Engine, and he appeared to enjoy his trip along the Worth Valley. I am hoping his younger brother will enjoy it just as much."

K&WVR membership secretary Ken Bennett said the railway was delighted to have both youngsters on board.

"I must admit I was astonished when I first received an approach, but there is no reason at all why a young baby cannot be a member," he said.

"We do not normally even get inquiries from people about junior membership, let alone life membership, until the child is four or five.

"But we welcome anyone, of any age, to the railway.

"We do have members at the other end of the scale who are into their eighties."