Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, told the SELRAP Conference in Skipton today that the dismantled railway from Colne to Skipton, ripped up in 1970, could be re-opened if there is cross party support.

The MP said a new consensus had emerged over high speed rail and he wanted to see the same approach for railway reopenings "where these are feasible and are grounded in common sense".

Speaking afterwards, the MP said: "SELRAP has moved mountains over recent years. Originally regarded by some as a bunch of trainspotters, the group is now admired for its approach - concentrating on facts and hard nosed appraisals."

"They are people whose determination and professionalism have changed the terms of the whole debate."

The Conservative shadow transport minister, Stephen Hammond, also paid tribute to the work of SELRAP - without commiting any future Conservative Government to re-opening the line.