OVER 2,000 people turned out for Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway's Local Heroes Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

"The event was very good, and the weather held as it was nice and sunny," said Stephen Walker, the railway's business manager. "There was a good turnout of people and a good selection of organisations."

He said the event was dedicated to the local heroes in the area who work tirelessly to improve people's wellbeing and the environment.

"People are very good to us and it was time to help the local community," he said. “As a charity the railway receives a lot of help from the public and it is great to be able to help other local groups increase awareness and raise funds for their good causes.”

Amongst the groups taking part at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey stations were the Beamsley Project, Embsay Pre School, fundraising for local resident Emma Meeking, Skipton and Craven Action for Disability, Little Zoo To You small animal rescue, Furever Loved small animal rescue, SASD dog rescue, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, North Yorkshire Air Ambulance, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire Brigade, Police Car Hire UK, Skipton Air Cadets, Upper Wharfedale Air Cadets, Friends of Airedale, Macies Party Hire (face painting), Royal Life Saving Society, KAFA, Cancer Support Yorkshire and Sue Ryder.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway has a busy programme over the next few weeks.

This Saturday and Sunday the railway will be hosting a Real Ale Weekend.

Then on the following Saturday, Sunday and Monday over the August Bank Holiday weekend there will be a big top on the lawn at Bolton Abbey Station as the National Festival Circus will be doing shows at 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. Tickets, which cost £6 for adults and children, are available at embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

Then on Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10, the railway will host a 1940's Weekend, and visitors are encouraged to come dressed in period costume.