WITH hit man Pete Waterman on board, this one is sure to steam to the top of the popularity charts!

The record producer and Pop Idol judge, also a keen steam enthusiast, was special guest at the latest expansion of the East Lancashire Railway.

After years of development, the line between Bury and Heywood was re-opened on Saturday (Sep 6) for the first time in 33 years. The station at Heywood has also been given a new lease of life.

The extension will link the ELR to the national rail network, which could mean more visitors coming to Bury from all over the country.

The new section is four miles long, adding a third to the existing route which gives a round trip of 24-miles between Rawtenstall and Heywood.

The first part of the line, between Ramsbottom and Bury, was re-opened in 1987. It is thought to be the only one in the country carrying steam trains over a tram line and a motorway.

Civic leaders and guests from Bury boarded the Jubilee class 5690 Leander Locomotive when it arrived at Bolton Street station on Saturday morning, on its way from Rawtenstall to Heywood. The line was opened to the public on Sunday.

Bury councillor Tim Chamberlain, executive member for regeneration and housing, said: "This is an exciting development for Bury as well as for Rochdale and Rossendale. The East Lancashire Railway is one of our most-prized tourism assets and the council is pleased to have supported its development over the years.

"We are confident that this extension will bring more visitors and consolidate the success of the ELR."

There was a slight hiccup on Saturday when the locomotive jumped the rails on its way back to Bury after the Heywood station celebrations. There was a delay while a replacement loco was put in place to pull the carriages into the Bury station.