RAILWAYMEN who worked at any of the final steam motive power depots in Lancashire during the last days of British Railways’ steam in 1968 have been invited to a commemorative event.

The weekend-long event will take place at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

The occasion is intended to be a general celebration of the late ‘60s era, but with a special emphasis placed upon the events of August 11, 1968, when the 1T57 ‘Fifteen Guinea Special’ ran between Liverpool and Carlisle and involved ‘Britannia’ pacific 70013 along with ‘Black 5s’ 45110, 44871 and 44781.

An extensive timetable of passenger and freight services hauled by 1968-appropriate motive power will operate along the line throughout the weekend and there will also be a photo exhibition, a display of 1960s vehicles, a conducted tour of the motive power depot, live bands and a talk about the history of local transport.

All former railwaymen, from any of the final steam sheds in Lancashire, including Rosegrove in Burnley, will be provided with free tickets for unlimited travel on the railway throughout the event, along with a special invitation to attend the 1T57 special on the Saturday evening.

For more information or to book a place call Andy Morris, East Lancashire Light Railway general manager, on 0161 7634340.