A bridge made famous by Jenny Agutter in the iconic film The Railway Children has been saved.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway bosses have spent about £200,000 repairing the three-arch bridge, which was severely damaged by frost. It ensures the long-term future of the five-mile heritage railway because the bridge carries the line at Mytholmes, near Haworth.

For several months trains have had to run at a restricted speed over the structure after it was discovered to be damaged in 2009/10.

In the famous film, shot in 1970, actress Jenny Agutter is seen waving her red petticoat to stop a train hitting a landslide.

The cash has been raised through an appeal to the public and thanks to grants from the South Pennine ‘LEADER Fund’ and Welcome to Yorkshire.

Railway chairman Matt Stroh said: “Without the hard work of volunteers and the grant funding, the long- term future of the railway may have been threatened.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is a historic railway, steeped in history and the home of The Railway Children, an iconic film, famous worldwide.

“It is a key visitor attraction that draws people from around the world, boosting tourism, which is why it was important that we lent a helping hand.”

The railway is continuing to raise funds to repair another bridge in the next couple of years.

The first of the special events held on the railway this year is the Railway Children Weekend from April 30 to May 2. The action-packed weekend will include rides in coaches which appeared in the film pulled by The Green Dragon engine.

At Oakworth Station, the heart of the film, people will be able to see the story re-enacted with performers in period costumes while the trains are in the station.

People can also visit all the sites on a guided tour of the locations used in the film.

Meanwhile, there will be displays and photos taken during filming and other exhibits.