York's Foss Islands branch was little know to most enthusiasts. It served a glassworks and also the world-famous Rowntree's chocolate factory which opened in 1890 and is now owned by Nestle. Rowntree Halt was used daily from its opening in 1927 and brought factory staff to work from York's suburbs, and also towns like Selby and even Doncaster. The service ceased in 1988 after Rowntrees were acquired by NestlŽ. The route is now a cycle path. This late 1960s view has what appears to be newly re-numbered BR 'Class 20' Bo-Bo diesel No. 20021 on a light pick-up freight duty. 20021 was built by Rob't. Stephenson & Hawthorn Ltd. on Oct 1959 as No. D8021 and was withdrawn in March 1991.

David J. Hayes reminds us that " The Rowntree's confectionary traffic ceased in 1987 and was one of the main reasons for the closure of York's Dringhouses Yard. It's closure, however, was somewhat overshadowed by that of the huge Severn Tunnel Junction marshalling yard facility in October 1987".

© Stephen Barrett Archive-SA Collection