An East Lancashire MP has taken the case for a new rail link between Rossendale and Manchester to two government ministers at Westminster.

Labour's Andy MacNae raised the issue with exchequer secretary James Murray in the Budget debate and leader of the Commons Lucy Powell at Business Questions.

The Rossendale and Darwen backbencher told Mr Murray: "I am particularly pleased to see the very significant commitment to northern rail infrastructure.

"With the commitment to fund a trans-Pennine route upgrade, our cities and towns across the north will be better connected, with more frequent and faster trains.

"I also welcome the recognition of the importance of local connectivity, with the commitment of £650 million specifically to fund local transport links outside the key city regions.

"In that context, I look forward to continuing to make the case for a commuter rail link from Rossendale to Manchester."

He told Mrs Powell: "Rossendale is the only local authority area in the north without any sort of rail station or commuter link, as I may have mentioned in the House before.

"That cuts my constituents off from opportunity and constrains the growth of East Lancashire, despite years of hard work by the borough council—with the support of the county council and myself—on its excellent and deliverable plans for a city valley rail link.

"Will you agree to grant a debate on the delivery of that link in the context of a northern rail strategy?"

Manchester Central MP Mrs Powell replied: "As the MP for a nearby constituency, I know all too well how poorly served Rossendale and Rawtenstall are by transport links.

"I support your calls to get better transport links to your constituency.

"The government are currently reviewing all that, but we are absolutely committed to supporting better northern rail links."