THE East Lancashire Railway has scooped the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

The prestigious awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, recognised the contribution of Lancashire’s tourism businesses to the local visitor economy.

The railway, which is based in Bolton Street, in Bury, beat off competition from Blackpool Zoo, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, Ascent Trampoline Park, Brockholes to pick up the award for the second time.

East Lancashire Railway has seen considerable growth in recent years, and now attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year to a range of events including its Wizard Academy, Santa Specials, visits from the Flying Scotsman, dining experiences, and Rail Ale Trail tours.

ELR chairman, Mike Kelly, said he was 'chuffed' to have won the award.

He added: "Lancashire has so many fantastic tourism businesses and we feel truly honoured to represent our home county."