Train services between Bolton and Blackburn have returned to regular service, as a £14 million package of improvement work has been completed on the Clitheroe to Manchester route.

The work was carried out over a period of five weeks, with additional track built either side of Darwen Station. 

Additional capacity and a new half-hourly daytime service between Manchester and Blackburn is made possible by the work. 

The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council provided the funding. 

Managing director for Northern Rail Alex Hynes said improvements like this are important as they help to improve performance and deliver a better overall service. 

Director of growth and prosperity at Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council Brian Bailey said the development work formed part of the Council's wider plan for prosperity. 

"We are delighted that we now have a track capable of supporting an increased service frequency throughout the day between Blackburn and Darwen and Manchester," he commented.