A PLEA for as many people as possible to use a new train service between Hellifield and Manchester has been made by the Mid-Craven councillor for North Yorkshire Council.

Councillor Simon Myers told a meeting of Gargrave Parish Council that if enough people used the service, which starts in June and only on Saturdays, then there would be a good case for it to be expanded to weekdays as well - which could mean more young people who lived in the Dales being able to get jobs in Greater Manchester.

Last month, train operator Northern confirmed a weekly Saturday-only service between Rochdale and Ribblehead via Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe and Hellifield will operate from Saturday June 8.

Northern has said the service will be called the Yorkshire Dales Explorer with further details set to be released closer to June.

The Dales Rail train service previously ran on Sundays from Blackburn and Clitheroe to the Settle-Carlisle line at Hellifield but was cancelled last year.

Cllr Myers told Wednesday's meeting of the parish council: "We want a weekday service as well so young people can get jobs in Manchester and still live here. The fact there is not a train link between Yorkshire and Lancashire is ridiculous."