The Branch Line Society has announced that a special charter service will run from Derby to the heart of Brontë country to support this year’s Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala.

This charter, operated by Rail Adventure, will feature Class 37 37418 and Class 50 50008 operating top ‘n tail with comfortable, air-conditioned Mark 3 coaches. The charter will feature the much-sought-after main line connection to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in both directions. The Class 37 is expected to lead from Sheffield on the outbound journey at the Standard Class end of the train.

A charity raffle will be held, with proceeds donated to Railway Children. Keighley and Worth Valley Railway personnel will join the train and will sell Gala Rover tickets as required.

Indicative routing and timings are as follows:

• Derby P6 (PU 07.17) – Long Eaton P1 (PU 07.31) – Alfreton (PU 07.56) – Chesterfield P3 (PU 08.12) – Beighton Jn – Sheffield P5 (PU 08.47 / RM) – Thrybergh Jn – Doncaster P8 (PU 09.17) – Hare Park Jn – Calder Bridge Jn – Methley Jn – Whitehall Curve – Shipley – Bradford Forster Square (PU 11.00) – Keighley Station Jn (RM) – Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (SD 11:37)
• Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (PU 18:23) – Keighley Station Jn (RM) – Whitehall Curve – Methley Jn – Calder Bridge Jn – Pontefract Monkhill – Doncaster P4 (SD 20.33) – Thrybergh Jn – Beighton Jn – Chesterfield P3 (SD 21.22) – Alfreton (SD 21.39) – Long Eaton P2 (SD 22.15) – Derby P6 (SD 22.30)

Fares:

• First class, non-dining, at a guaranteed table for two: £100
• First class, non-dining: £75
• Standard class: £50
• There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.
• Accompanied under 18s will pay £25 less for in all fares.

Full details and tickets are available on the Branch Line Society’s website.

Full details of the gala, including the guest locomotives, can be found here.