TRAINSPOTTING was the name of the game in Ramsbottom.

Ramsbottom took part in the East Lancashire Railway Spring Steam Gala – a three-day train occasion held last weekend.

Engine fans were able to enjoy views of the visiting trains which steamed into Ramsbottom as part of the wider event.

Mike Kelly, East Lancashire Railway chairman, said: “The event was a fantastic success, attracting over 2,400 visitors across the weekend, a 28 per cent increase on 2016’s Spring Steam Gala.” The theme for this year’s event, the first major steam event of 2017, was Lostock Hall, the site of one of Britain’s last remaining and most important steam sheds.

Mr Kelly added: “There was a real feel-good atmosphere throughout the event and I would like to thank all those involved in the organisation for bringing Lostock Hall Engine Shed back to life for all our visitors to enjoy.”

The hall situated near South Ribble was built in 1881and quickly became the main locomotive servicing facility for the whole of the North West.

A total of eight steam engines rolled along Lancashires rails at the weekend, evoking the spirit of the glory days of the railway.

Lostock Hall closed in 1960 and was famous for its Black Five engines, two of which took part in the gala, and the 8fs. One of which, the Ex-LMS Class 8F 2-8-0 No.48624, also took part.