CAMPAIGNERS who want to see a railway route between Beverley and York brought back into use claim to have received support from business secretary Lord Mandelson.

George McManus, who chairs the Minsters’ Rail Campaign – which has been appealing for the last eight years to reopen the line after it closed in 1965 – said the top-level message of backing came when the influential Labour politician visited Hull. The campaign has won the support of local councils and MPs and has been raised at Westminster. Those behind the appeal say reopening the line would mean faster journey times between Bridlington, York and Leeds.

“We are thrilled that Lord Mandelson is backing the campaign,” said Mr McManus.