A STATE-of-the-art bus and rail scheme at Clitheroe is set to receive the government's seal of approval when transport minister Keith Hill MP visits the town today.

The Interchange has been successfully integrating local travel services for people travelling across the county since it opened in March.

A new control centre built next to the train station helps co-ordinate journeys by bus and train and all buses have been brought together on the same site to make things easier for travellers.

Facilities are also available to store bicycles.

The project is possible due to a partnership between Lancashire Country Council, the DETR, the Countryside Agency, Ribble Valley Borough Council, the East Lancashire Partnership and public transport operators.

Lancashire's highways chairman, County Councillor Richard Toon, said: "A visit from the minister really gives the Interchange the prestige it deserves. We have put the government's vision of integrated transport into practice in the Ribble Valley and it's working well.

"People are finding that having staff on the spot to help with any problems is a real benefit. Features like the bike racks mean that people can complete long journeys without using the car.

"We are delighted to welcome the minister to the Ribble Valley to see how the government's Rural Transport Development Fund has helped create a modern public transport facility." Early next year a 'through fare' system between bus and rail services will be introduced.

The two schemes will be for a bus 'add on' to most rail tickets for a new Ribble Valley Day Rover ticket, covering all bus services in the Ribble Valley and journeys to Blackburn and Accrington.

It will cost £3 and £1.50 for children. Malcolm Doherty, chairman of the East Lancashire Partnership, described the Interchange as "an important building block in a fully integrated transport system which would play a key role in the regeneration of East Lancashire."

Ribble Valley's planning and development chairman, Councillor Richard Sherras added: "After six months in operation we please to see, as anticipated, that the facility is going from strength to strength, providing information and assurance to the travelling public, both residents and visitors to the area."