THE funeral of leading East Lancashire rail campaigner Derek Jennings will be held on Monday November 11.

It will take place at 10.15am at the Cornerstone Church, 9 Netherfield Road, Nelson followed by a committal at 11.30am at Burnley Crematorium, Accrington Road.

Mr Jennings was a founding member of the Skipton–East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) in 2001.

He died aged 89 after a short illness following a cancer diagnosis.

He remained on the executive committee of the group which campaigns to re-open the closed line from Colne over the Pennines to Skipton.

Barrowford resident Mr Jennings also chaired SELRAP for many years.

He was also a member of the East Lancashire Line Association (STELLA), volunteering to look after both Brierfield and Nelson stations along the route.

There will be a celebration of Derek's life at the Rosegrove Unity Social Club, next to the crematorium, in Burnley. All are welcome.

People can go straight to the social club from the church service without needing to attend the committal at the crematorium.

Steve Broadbent, a former SELRAP chair, will pay tribute to Derek at the funeral service as they are both co-founders of the group and friends over many years.

The family have requested that any donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made payable to SELRAP, either by donating online on the SELRAP website or by cheque or cash left with the funeral directors, Fred Hamer, 275-277 Leeds Road, Nelson.

SELRAP executive member Dave Penney said: "Derek will be sorely missed. He has left a large hole in the management of SELRAP, which we hope SELRAP members will come forward to fill."