A PARTNERSHIP set up to campaign for the former Skipton to Colne railway line to be reinstated as part of the national rail network, celebrated its 25th open committee meeting this week.

Steve Broadent, chairman of the The Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership, said: "Since we first met in April 2001, we have achieved a great deal and far more than we could have expected at the start. We have widespread support from all manner of local, regional and national bodies, and three MPs and two MEPs, who are representing local constituencies and all three main parties have become patrons.

"Now with the Lancashire and North Yorkshire Feasibility Study into the railway's re-opening about to be published and consultation on the Lancashire Structure Plan coming to a conclusion, it is time for us to address more local issues." Members will now concentrate on planning events, such as tours of the line and displays at local shows both in Craven and Pendle, to highlight the campaign further.

SELRAP, which campaigns for the safeguard of the track bed until the line can be restored, has open meetings on alternate months in Colne and Earby.