We waited eagerly for the down main line signal at Settle Junction to clear as 1Z60 became increasingly late. When the signal did clear it was not for the main line but the Little North Western to Carnforth. Almost immediately we found that 1Z60 had reached Hellifield 12 minutes late having dropped 14 minutes from Chatburn. The reason was it was held to give priority to this DMU, 158 849, which was operating 2H06, the 10:18 from Leeds to Morecambe. As this was not due in Hellifield until 11:11, at least 8 minutes after the steam special could have passed, I consider this to be very poor operating practice.