The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) drew high praise from 14 labour MPs, who signed an early day motion congratulating the railway on 30 years of sterling service.

The parliamentary motion was put forward by Keighley MP Ann Cryer as a way of recognising the endeavour and success of the railway, which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year.

It was signed by a host of labour MPs including Ann's son John Cryer, Dennis Skinner and Alice Mahon. The motion on November 25 asked: "That this house congratulates the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society on celebrating 30 years of providing an excellent public railway service which has been much appreciated by the people of the valley and thousands of visitors from all parts of the world."

The motion also paid tribute to the tireless work of the railway's volunteers who: "Fulfil every conceivable role in providing a safe and attractive environment for visitors and passengers with great skill and imagination."

Praise was also reserved for the democratic nature of the organisation which the motion stated would: "Keep this magnificent and unique line in safe hands for more years with the support of the communities of Keighley, Ingrow, Oakworth, Haworth and Oxenhope."

Chairman of the KWVR, Graham Mitchell said: "I am thrilled and delighted to accept such a ringing endorsement of the millions of hours of unpaid toil by hand and by brain, freely given by society members."

The KWVR is unique in the way its stations and trains have been crewed by qualified voluntary staff for the past 30 years.

It is also differs from other organisations in that it doesn't have either a general manager or chief executive. The entire management of the railway is in the hands of a democratically elected council and 12 sub-committees, supported by a board of unpaid directors.

Mr Mitchell adds: "None of the other 107 heritage railways in the UK have such an apparently eccentric management structure. It's all in the true spirit of the glorious British amateur, yet somehow it works."

The accolade rounds off a very successful year for the KWVR which celebrated its 30th anniversary this summer with a host of events. The heritage railway also joins Keighley Bus Museum, which received parliamentary praise earlier in the year.

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