AWARD-winning film director Ken Loach and editor of Private Eye magazine Ian Hislop have lent their support to a campaign to reinstate a section of railway between Pendle and Yorkshire.

Skipton East Lancashire Railway Action Partnership (SELRAP), is campaigning for the Colne to Skipton railway to be re-opened.

It has already received support from MPs, councillors, clergy, schools, professional football and rugby clubs and trade unions.

Now Loach, who directed films including Kes, Cathy Come Home, The Navigators and The Wind Amongst the Barley, has sent them a letter of support.

It read: “A brief note to wish you luck in your campaign.”

And a handwritten card by Ian Hislop, who is also a panellist on the BBC’s Have I Got News For You, read: “‘Best of luck to SELRAP with their excellent plan.”