CAMPAIGNERS hoping to re-open the Skipton-Colne railway line, which was closed 38 years ago, are to run a Christmas Special between the two towns to help people with their seasonal shopping.

It will travel from Skipton to the new Boundary Mill store on Sunday, December 7, in a historic demonstration that the line – a key link between Yorkshire and the North West – is still fit for use and could once again be a major boost in drives to cut road traffic between two of the UK’s busiest industrial regions.

The Skipton-Colne trip could take just 15 minutes but the Christmas Special will take a round-tour of local stations in Yorkshire before making the crucial final dash..

The Christmas Special has been organised by SELRAP, the Skipton-East Lancs Rail Action Partnership, which has growing support from MPs, local councillor and business organisations. For more and to book seats, see www.selrap.org.uk