A BID has been put forward to the Department for Transport to electrify the Lakes Line.

The Campaign to Electrify Britain's Railways has agreed to draw up a plan which should allow more direct services from Windermere to Manchester.

Previous plans to electrify the line were axed in 2017 and since then South Lakes MP Tim Farron has met with rail bosses, ministers and engineers to get plans on track.

“I’m really grateful to the Campaign to Electrify Britain’s Railways for meeting with me and agreeing to put forward an official bid to the Department for Transport," he said.

“This is a positive step forward in our campaign to see electrification happen after the Conservative Government foolishly pulled the plug on it two years ago.

“Having more quick, reliable and direct trains down to Lancaster, Preston, Wigan and Manchester would be a huge boost for our area."