AN annual travelling carol service will again be hosted by the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway next month. (Dec)

The popular event, which will be held on a seven-coach steam special, takes place on Saturday December 20.

Organiser Bruce Grainger said: "I'm inviting members of local churches to come to their nearest station to meet the train when it arrives and to join in that part of the service which takes place there.

"It always turns out to be a happy occasion and it lasts 20 to 25 minutes at each stop.

"On December 20 we begin at Oxenhope at 7pm. The train is then scheduled to arrive at Haworth at 7.30pm, Oakworth at 8pm, and Ingrow at 8.30pm. At each stop the travelling choir and band, together with the booked passengers, alight to sing carols, hear part of the Christmas story read by church members and to join in two prayers led by local churches.

"When the train arrives in Keighley at around 9pm, my choir, made up of singers drawn from several Yorkshire choirs, will sing some unaccompanied pieces."