ELR back on track to recovery as it reopens after coronavirus lockdown

The heritage attraction has welcomed hundreds of visitors ­— the first since it was forced to close four months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic ­— after reopening on August 8.

ELR Chairman Mike Kelly said he could not be happier with how the first two weekends have gone.

"After months of uncertainty it was such a joy to see the railway come back to life again," he added.

East Lancashire Railway reopens following coronavirus lockdown

The attraction's reopening was made possible thanks to the generosity of the public and the ELR Preservation Society, as these groups donated £145,000 and £125,000 respectively.

Almost 1,000 passengers have since made the most of their first chance to travel on the heritage railway.

Many more have also enjoyed a drink at the ELR's two station pubs ­— all while adhering to the new safety measures put in place.

East Lancashire Railway reopens following coronavirus lockdown

Mr Kelly said: “We’ve devoted a lot of time and energy to ensure safety measures are in place so that everyone can enjoy the railway safely, so we’re thrilled that everything has gone so smoothly."

With almost everything back up and running, the ELR is now planning the reintroduction of additional activities at stations.

The first of these will be a Dino Day on August 22, which includes a train ride and a chance to see some totally wild prehistoric creatures roaming the rails.

Dinosaur lovers can also book to meet and take socially distant photographs with an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs at Bury's Bolton Street station.

Dinky dinosaur adventure at East Lancashire Railway

Mr Kelly continued: “Now we can start looking towards the future and put plans in place to bring exciting activities back to ELR, starting with a chance for our younger visitors to meet some prehistoric creatures on Saturday.”

For more information visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk.