THE KEIGHLEY and Worth Railway has set a target of £200,000 to ensure it can survive the effects of coronavirus.

The volunteer-run railway has attracted £16,000 of donations from the public in the first week since launching its Worth Saving crisis appeal.

Members of the heritage railway are also organising their own fundraising activities to boost the fund such as a weekly online quiz.

KWVR, which has more than 700 volunteers, is striving to raise enough to ensure it remains one of West Yorkshire’s leading visitor attractions. It was forced to close in March 20 due to coronavirus.

Railway bosses this week said that while pleased with the initial response from the public, the current total was a long way from the target.

Matt Stroh, the KWVR Society chairman, said: “This initial total of donations is encouraging and we are very grateful to those that have supported us so far.

“We do have a long way to go to reach our target which will protect our future and those local businesses that rely on our trade .”

Mr Stroh Heritage said heritage railways in the UK contributed approximately £400 million to the national economy and represented an important part of the local and national heritage.

He added: “The Worth Valley Railway is one of West Yorkshire’s leading attractions and has welcomed around seven million visitors to Keighley for a fun day out over the last 52 years.”

Operations manager Noel Hartley said that the longer the railway remained closed, the harder it would be for it to bounce back.

He said: “These are uncertain times for the leisure and tourism industry and we are concerned that social distancing restrictions could mean we cannot open again for quite some time.”

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was forced to close its doors on March 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Hartley said KWVR members were getting getting creative with ways to support the railway.

He said: “The first is an online quiz every Friday with proceeds going to the appeal. It costs £3 to enter and for quiz fans it is a lot of fun. There are cash prizes and for those who do not win there is always the following week to try to beat your score!”

Visit kwvr.co.uk/worth-saving or call 01535 645214 for information on how to donate, fundraise, or take part in the quiz.