RAIL enthusiasts are blowing their whistles after news that the first regular steam trains for more than 35 years are to run through East Lancashire.

Private rail company Ribblesdale Railtours, of Settle, will run The Dalesman from Preston to Carlisle on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from July 17 to August 29.

The route takes in the famous Settle to Carlisle run, known as the "long drag" by railwaymen, because of its steep gradient, as well as the Ribblehead Viaduct and 2,269 yard-long Blea Moor Tunnel, near Dent.

Ribblesdale Railtours proprietor Roger Hardingham said tickets for the service were selling at full pelt.

"Special trains have run along this route from time to time, but this will be the first regular steam train service in the area since the 1960s and interest has been huge. The Settle to Carlisle railway is one of the most famous lines in the country and bookings for the service are coming in thick and fast."

The Dalesman locomotive is housed by the East Lancashire Railway at Bury.

Mr Hardingham added: "The vast workshops there are able to deal with the complex work required these days to overhaul and maintain the steam locomotives to a high standard. The LMS Black Five 45407 will be our regular locomotive on this run."

Pressure group Ribble Valley Rail campaigned for years for the restoration of a train service from Clitheroe to Blackburn and Manchester.

The service has proved a great success since being reinstated for a five-year trial period in 1994 and has been subsequently expanded.

Secretary Ron Birch said news that a regular steam train service was to take place signalled further success for the line.

"I am very pleased to hear of this initiative. The beauty of this line is well known and anything that promotes rail travel in the area is to be welcomed. This is great news."

From next week, there will also be a two-hourly Sunday service between Clitheroe and Manchester. Plans are also afoot for a run from Manchester to Blackburn at 11.09pm, with a dedicated Clitheroe bus link.

Mr Birch added: "The long-term prospects for this line are certainly very good and our next aim is for a daily service from Clitheroe to Carlisle."

For details and tickets for The Dalesman steam service, from July 17, call Ribblesdale Railtours on 0870 747 2983