THE Esk Valley Railway has been confirmed as one of the pilot lines for a new national rail strategy.

The Department for Transport launched the Strategic Rail Authority's community rail development strategy this week. It sets out a framework for taking Britain's local and rural railways forward as arteries of the local economy.

The strategy was given a warm welcome by the Esk Valley Railway Development Company. Development manager Tony Smare said he was pleased that the Middlesbrough to Whitby line had been chosen.

He said: "The pilot project will seek to demonstrate how more people can be encouraged to use Esk Valley trains and how the service can be improved.

"Network Rail's investment in renewing 'the last mile' into Whitby next February paves the way.

"Works at Battersby may be justified to speed up the service, and new signalling at Grosmont could allow trains from Pickering to reach Whitby. Better local services and a new station for Middlesbrough hospital may also be possible."

Dr Paul Salveson, general manager of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships, strongly endorsed the strategy.

He said: "We believe it will pave the way towards a strong, sustainable future for local railways, enabling them to play an even more important part in the lives of their communities."

Peter Roberts, the association's chairman, paid tribute to the Strategic Rail Authority and Department for Transport for launching an extensive consultation process.

He said: "Over 300 responses were received during consultation on the strategy. These well-informed and supportive comments helped to shape the final version of the strategy.

"We're delighted with it and we are ready to play our part in making things happen straight away."