EAST LANCASHIRE'S rail services have been spared the axe following a review of routes across the North of England.

Now regeneration chiefs in the area are stepping up efforts to get improvements to services.

Government consultants have spent the last year looking at ways of reducing the subsidy York-based Northern Rail gets for operating services across the North, including the Blackpool to Colne, Blackpool to York and Clitheroe to Manchester to services.

But the report said reducing services, closing under-used stations or increasing fares would have little impact on the Government subsidy to Northern Rail.

Coun Tony Martin, in charge of transport at Lancashire County Council, said: "Increasing numbers using our railway services is a key part of our local transport plan.

"There was no justification for reducing services on any of our lines because they all perform very well."

Coun Andy Kay, from Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We are fighting very hard to improve services across the area."