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:
7. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Volunteer Matthew Pickering attaching the carriages together during shunting. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
8. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
On points duty. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
9. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Driver Ross Needham inside the diesel locomotive. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
10. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Matthew Pickering attaching the carriages together during shunting. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
11. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Diesel driver Ross Needham on the footplate. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks
12. Middleton Railway opens for the first day of the season
Mark Calvert underneath locomotive Brookes No1. | Iconic Photo: Gerard Binks