THE revival of rail travel in East Lancashire received a tremendous boost today with the disclosure that regular services could soon be restored on a line saved from extinction by steam enthusiasts.

For the East Lancashire Line running from Rawtenstall to Bury, which has not seen daily passenger services since 1972, now stands to make a major comeback through being rejoined to the national rail network.

It is largely thanks to the volunteers of the East Lancashire Railway, which runs steam trips on the line it preserved after non-freight British Rail services were axed 31 years ago, and council backers that this exciting prospect now emerges.

For though Rossendale's connection with Manchester was lost long ago with the disappearance of the link at Bury's Bolton Street station, it - and much more - stands to be restored with the opening in September of a four-mile track from Bury to Heywood.

Not only does this promise direct travel to Manchester for commuters from Rossendale and relief of rush-hour congestion on the M66 motorway, the restoration of commercial services it could also mean access to onward travel and trains with as many as 1,000 passengers arriving at Rawtenstall to boost spending in the Valley.

As was seen with the return of passenger services in 1994 on the Blackburn-Clitheroe line, revived rail travel is not only viable but can be a great boost for East Lancashire's economy and environment.