This programme was commissioned by the ELRPS, to help in the celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the railway to Ramsbottom, and our first passenger services. The history begins in the formation of the Helmshore and district RPS and the embryonic ELR at the sidings in Helmshore. Cine footage from many sources is used to depict the initial failure at Helmshore, but then the huge success at Castle Croft and Bury.

Footage of the long years at Castlecroft shows how the closure of the line to passenger traffic was symptomatic of the Beeching Era, but following the closure of the line to Freight the immediate actions of the local councils hand in hand with the ELR brought about a renaissance in the Irwell Valley. The early DMU trains are brought to life, and the huge interest finally prompted a resurgence in development. A run down Bolton Street Station becomes the new base, and the preservation of life expired diesels triggers a new era on the ELR.

The whole of the opening ceremony is reproduced from various sources including the Bury Cine Society, and the progression through to a new Ramsbottom Station, and the introduction of the Large Loco policy sees the E.L.R onto the right tracks!

This is a historical masterpiece that is only rarely seen in such detail and quality it will remain a definitive source for many future generations. Its features are the rare footage of the Buckley Wells sheds, Bolton Street Station and DMU test trains, before the ELR really became one of the big four.

Approximate Running Time - 80 Minutes