Run entirely by volunteers, the Middleton Railway is recognised as the world’s oldest continuously working railway. Established in 1758, it’s at the heart of Leeds’ industrial heritage and today operates as a popular heritage attraction.
This Easter Sunday, the historic railway will open for the season, with its first locomotive of the year transporting curious visitors along the more than 260‑year‑old track.
Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Gerard Binks visited the depot to capture the last‑minute preparations ahead of today’s departure:
1. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Volunteer Mark Calvert prepares locomotive Brookes No1, built in 1941, for its first outing on Easter Sunday. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
2. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Newly qualified guard Soheil Flynn keeps his eye on proceedings. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
3. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
The Middleton Railway livery | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
4. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Volunteers Janet Auckland and Fran Bailey cleaning the carriage before the first passengers arrive. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
5. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Mark Calvert prepares locomotive Brookes No1. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
6. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
The Hudswell diesel locomotive makes its first journey of the season. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks