Keighley's classic Railway Children movie has been signalled the best in a head-to-head Internet poll.

Nearly 90 per cent of respondents so far have given the 1970 cinema masterpiece their vote over Carlton TV's small-screen remake.

The on-line poll was set up by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway following the screening on Sunday evening of the new version of Edith Nesbit's timeless tale.

The K&WVR has become inextricably linked with The Railway Children since the five-mile line was used for filming some 30 years ago.

But it was ignored as a potential location for the new £2 million version by Carlton which opted instead for the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.

This week Dr Matt Stroh, publicity officer for the K&WVR, told us: "It was interesting to watch the new version and it was difficult not to compare it with the original.

"The latest production is much more a TV drama.

"It seemed to lack the character and nostalgia of the 1970 film which hopefully will be remembered for much longer.

"I wouldn't knock the Bluebell Railway but I think people expect the story to be based in Yorkshire rather than Sussex."

Jenny Agutter, who starred in the original version as Bobbie, reappears in the remake as the mother.

The character of Perks - portrayed in 1970 by Bernard Cribbins - is played this time by Gregor Fisher, better known to many as Rab C Nesbitt.

Chuffed bosses at the Bluebell Railway - which like its Keighley counterpart already boasts impressive film and TV location credits - are eagerly anticipating a bonanza thanks to the Carlton coup.

The nine-mile line experienced its busiest ever Easter Monday and with a video and book based on the new production now out, staff are preparing for an influx of additional passengers.

Richard Parfitt, who has served with the Bluebell for 32 years, told us: "We didn't stop on Monday and a lot of people were talking about The Railway Children.

"I have heard a mixture of views - some prefer the 1970 film, and others the new version - but you have got to bear in mind that they are two very different beasts.

"One was a feature film and the other for TV, and there is room for both.

"Clearly we are delighted the Bluebell Railway was chosen for the filming and it will bring us benefits, but the long-term spin-offs from a feature film are much greater."

n Passenger figures released by K&WVR show the first rise in Easter Bank Holiday visitors for almost a decade ... see Page 3

To vote for your favourite version visit the K&WVR web site at www.kwvr.co.uk

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