IT is full steam ahead as the East Lancashire Railway gears up for a locomotive event this weekend.

The steam spectacular, centred on Bury Bolton Street Station, will see a range of engines chug their way along the 12-mile line between Heywood and Rawtenstall.

The Autumn Steam Gala this Saturday and Sunday is the final large-scale steam event of 2017.

Visitors will be able to hop on one of the special locomotives which will operate passenger services all weekend.

It may also be the last opportunity for seasoned steam fans to experience a passenger service on guest engine a 'Gresley Great', A4 60009 'Union of South Africa'.

Fellow guest star Hunslet 0-6- 0 2890 will also be steaming down the line, alongside home fleet locomotive Ex-SR Light Bullied Pacific No. 34092 'City of Wells'.

East Lancashire Railway has a range of rail transport vehicles which haul vintage trains through the Irwell Valley.

Other home fleets featuring this weekend include LMS Hughes Fowler Crab 2-6- 0 No. 13065 and EX-L&Y A Class 0-6- 0 No. 52322.

For more information and to book, visit http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/2017/10/autumn-steam-gala.aspx.