The steam loco powered Cotton Mill Express leaves Manchester Victoria railway station once a month for a six hour trip around Lancashire and Yorkshire mill towns, taking in some stunning scenery along the way.

It began in January and organisers Past-Time Rail, which runs the Cotton Mill Express, are putting on extra carriages to cope with the demand.

Carriages have increased from six to nine, which will allow 550 passengers at a time to take the 100-mile route, with Past-Time saying it has really caught the public imagination.

The train will now be hauled by the more powerful Black 5 locomotive - the early runs featured the BR Standard Class 4 76079.

The route takes in Miles Platting Bank to Stalybridge and goes out into the Pennines, through the Standedge Tunnel to Huddersfield, before heading north through the Calder Valley including passing through Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, taking the historic Copy Pit route to Burnley and Blackburn before returning to Manchester.

The next dates for the express are on May 18, June 14 and July 26.

Further details including ticket prices can be obtained from Past-Time's website or by telephoning 01543 411971.