THE first official train to use the reinstated Todmorden Curve will deliver passengers to Manchester just after breakfast for around a tenner, it can be revealed.

An hourly service from Burnley Manchester Road and Accrington will take travellers from East Lancashire to the city in just under an hour from the former, and 70 minutes from the latter, beginning on May 17.

And because Sunday counts as 'off-peak', a single ticket will cost £9.70 from Burnley and £10.00 from Accrington, with returns from £9.80 and £10.10 respectively.

Regular weekday commuters will be charged slightly more, with returns from £12.30 from Burnley and £12.70 from Accrington, with services starting between 6am and 6.30am Direct travel has not been possible since around 500 metres of track was removed in 1972, leaving passengers to change at either Hebden Bridge or Blackburn.

Advance timetables show the last returning train, during the week, will be at 9.01pm The announcement comes as Lancashire County Council confirmed that it had approved funding for the line, in principle, from 2015 to 2018, alongside Northern Rail and the Department of Transport.

County councillor John Fillis, transport cabinet member, said: "The funding agreement covers an initial three year period which allows us time to establish its viability.

"Being able to travel directly to Manchester from Burnley in under an hour is a real improvement upon the current service, and will open the door to new opportunities for people and businesses. Laying the groundwork for our economy to grow is a priority for the county council."

Veteran borough councillor and former mayor David Heginbotham said he had been looking forward to the line's rebirth since he was first raised the prospect in town hall meetings nearly 25 years ago.

"In years to come this will become a a very, very busy line and I feel sure that because of this spending this borough and surrounding areas will see significant commercial benefits," he said.

The new rail service will set off from Blackburn and also call at Rose Grove station on weekends, as well as Todmorden and Walsden en-route to the city.