BLUES fans in East Lancashire are being encouraged to once again let the train take the strain en-route to the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

And as a special treat, for the 10th anniversary of the popular Blues Train to the Colne gathering, guitar and harmonica duo Matt Walklate and Paolo Fuschi have been lined up for the launch.

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Burnley brewer Moorhouse’s will be supplying them with a keg of beer as they ride out from Colne railway station, en-route to Blackpool South, around 3pm today.

They will be enticing passengers on board as the funky service stops off at Preston, Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley Central and Nelson, before arriving back in Colne.

Simon Clarke, the community rail development officer who organises the Blues Train, said: “We are really pleased to have supported this event for the last 10 years and think this is the best way to start the weekend. I have attended the festival myself over the last 10 years and it is easy to see why it has won so many awards. May the legacy long continue.”

Richard Watts, partnership secretary for East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, added: “This event attracts thousands of people to Colne and the rail link from Preston and Blackburn makes the perfect - and green - way to reach it.

“Once again we are providing additional late night trains from Colne to Preston, making the journey home even easier after a good night out.”

Extra trains are being run today, Saturday and Sunday to cope with the festival demand.

The last service tonight departs just after midnight, the final Saturday train at 11.56pm and the Sunday one at 11.30pm.

Once more the stars, from veterans like The Blues Band and Courtney Pine, to newcomers such as Nikki Hill, will be on the International Stage at The Muni and The Matthew Clark British Stage at Pendle Leisure Centre showcases the best native talent.