TRAIN staff past and present were all aboard the East Lancashire Railway to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Three decades ago today the railway launched in its current form and ran its first passenger service from Bury Bolton Street Station to Ramsbottom.

A plaque was unveiled, by railway enthusiast Sir William McAlpine, sixth Baronet, at Ramsbottom Station to commemorate the momentous day with around 50 members of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society attending.

They also enjoyed a private pioneer's lunch of tea and sandwiches.

Although the line originally opened back in 1846, it was thirty years’ ago on the 25 July 1987 that the East Lancashire Railway launched in its current form and ran its first passenger service.

The train, hauled by No.32 ‘Gothenburg’ and ELR No.1, marked the return of regular leisure services to the heritage line

East Lancashire Railway Chairman, Mike Kelly, said: "We are proud of what we have achieved over the past 30 years, from our humble beginnings in Castlecroft Yard to what we are today, a twelve mile line with seven stops that is one of the North West’s most popular tourist attractions.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the past three decades, visitors, staff, local authorities and of course our wonderful volunteers and the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, none of this could have been done without you.

"Here’s to the next 30."

What are your memories of the East Lancashire Railway? Were you there when it opened? Tell us in the comments below.