THE Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust has announced plans to host a 'guest' locomotive at its upcoming Diesel Gala and Beer Festival at its Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway,

Class 31 locomotive No 31452, secured courtesy of Eastern Rail Services, is one of the Class 31 trains that were built for British Railways between 1957 and 1962 in a pilot scheme to replace steam.

The Class 31 locomotives were originally numbered D5500-D5699 and D5800-5862.

Built by Bush Traction at their Loughborough Works and originally numbered D5809, No 31452 entered service with British Railways in July 1961.

It was renumbered in 1974 as No 31279.

Ten years later, it was renumbered once again as No 31452 following the fitting of electric train heating equipment.

After nearly 40 years of service with British Railways, No 31452 served the privatised English, Welsh & Scottish Railways.

The machine was one of four Class 31s purchased by Fragonset Railways in 1998, before joining the Devon and Cornwall Railways fleet and finally landing in Eastern Rail Service's possession.

It was recently repainted in the former BR InterCity livery.

At the festival, an intensive timetable will be laid on with services at regular intervals each day.

Three carriage sets will operate, with on-board breakfasts and lunches available.

The sole surviving LNER Thompson buffet car No 1706 will make an appearance, with up to twenty-five real ales available on draught.

An evening 'Beer-Ex' will also operate on the Friday and Saturday.

The Railway's 'Box Van Bar' will be open all weekend at Embsay, with food and live music creating a party atmosphere.

Commercial manager, Ryan Whitaker, said: "Following feedback received, this year we have decided to combine our annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival events, which we are sure will be very popular.

"With the undoubted highlight being the visit of the Class 31, which is making its first visit to Embsay, the event will readily appeal to both the heritage diesel enthusiast and all those who enjoy real ale."

A free bus service will connect Skipton railway station with Embsay throughout the event.

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, formerly known as the Yorkshire Dales Railway, is a heritage railway that runs over part of the former line between Skipton and Ilkley.

The festival will take place over three days from August 30 to September 1.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ebar.org.uk/beerfestival.