SCOUTS and Guides from across the Keighley district have been getting up close with a legendary locomotive.

More than 270 youngsters descended on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a Flying Scotsman experience.

The world-famous steam engine, which is marking a century since it first entered service, is spending this month on the five-mile heritage line.

A host of activities has been taking place as part of a celebratory festival.

During their visit, the Scouts and Guides were able to access Flying Scotsman's cab and were shown the controls of the loco by young volunteers Joe Lockyer and Ryan Hills.

"There were smiles all around as the whistle was blown and everyone was shown the controls that drivers have used over the last 100 years!" said a Keighley & Worth Valley Railway spokesperson.

"We have a strong ethos for young people being able to volunteer on the line and gain experience and general life skills, as well as having lots of fun along the way.

"Welcoming this number of young people to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway to experience a steam locomotive has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase what can be done.

"Our Flying Scotsman festival has a variety of events running. Thousands of people have booked already and some tickets are still available."

The engine has been on static display at Ingrow West station and many activities are being staged.

An Evening with Flying Scotsman is on offer, including an opportunity to view the locomotive, a round trip hauled by the engine, live music in the Oxenhope Exhibition Hall, street food and a bar.

And from Thursday, May 25, until Monday, May 29, the engine is in steam along the line, between Keighley and Oxenhope.

The spokesperson added: "This is a great opportunity to take in the atmosphere of the bygone age with a global celebrity at the head of your train! The combination of the steam, smell and the Bronte line is more than enough to bring back memories of a very different world decades ago."

Flying Scotsman was built at Doncaster in 1923, at a cost of nearly £8,000.

The locomotive was the first steam engine to officially reach 100mph and the first to circumnavigate the globe.

For more about festival events, visit kwvr.co.uk.

Further details about volunteering with the railway's young persons group, for children aged 13-16, can be found at kwvr.co.uk/volunteer or email volunteer@kwvr.co.uk.