THE Aire Valley Rail Users Group (AVRUG) is holding its annual general meeting in Saltaire on Saturday, April 14.

After the formal business of the AGM, there will be a first annual meeting of a new organisation, Friends of Airedale Line.

Its aim is to promote links with communities along the line, and will facilitate the adoption of local stations, through the new Northern scheme. Stations can become community hubs as well as departure points.

There have been changes already – including the penalty fares scheme, and coming up will be more trains to Lancaster, from May 20, and next year, new, longer electric trains running in Airedale.

The meeting is a chance for those interested in rail travel to have an input into the development of the service and to build community links.

Saturday's meeting will take place at Saltaire Methodist Church, on the corner of Saltaire Road and George Street, at 12 midday.

The Aire Valley Rail Users Group is a voluntary organisation which campaigns for improvements in rail services between Leeds, Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Skipton and Gargrave. Membership is £3 per year, details from Keith Renshaw at 3 The Crescent, Baildon Green, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 7PE.