CAMPAIGNERS who fought to get an East Lancashire railway reopened today warned they need more support if they are to keep battling for improvements.

Members of Ribble Valley Rail fear their next big battle - to get the line from Blackburn to Clitheroe reopened through to Hellifield for passenger services - may fail due to dwindling support.

Their success in getting the Blackburn-Clitheroe stretch of line re-opened in 1994 was been hailed across the country as an example that reversing Dr Beeching's cuts can work.

Hourly services now run seven days a week from Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe, via Blackburn.

The group, which continues to promote the line, has now set opening the line up to Hellifield for a regular passenger service as its next aim.

Peter Moore, chairman of Ribble Valley Rail, said: "It is with some sadness that I note some of the commitment and dedication is now missing. After campaigning to get the line re-opened, we became one of the most effective user-groups in the country."

For more information on the work of Ribble Valley Rail, log on to www.ribblevalleyrail.co.uk