MORE trains will run on the Settle to Carlisle railway line after Arriva Trains Northern announced a £1.5 million investment package.

The move has been welcomed by the Friends of Settle-Carlisle Railway, whose president Philip Johnstone pronounced it a significant statement of confidence in the line.

However, he warned that the services would have to be used to ensure it is continued.

Arriva is to fund the running of a larger train, providing inter-city style comfort. The locomotive-hauled train, which Arriva will lease for 12-months from English Welsh and Scottish Railways, will have four air conditioned carriages with 224 seats.

Arriva plans to start running the train in late September.

It will operate for 12 months and any potential continuation of it will only be considered if it has been well used by customers.

The larger locomotive train will be used for the 9.49am Leeds to Carlisle and 1.33pm return service.

The two-carriage train that would normally run these services will then be used to provide two additional daily services on the line - the 4.19pm Leeds to Carlisle (filling a previous three-hour gap) and a new later return train at 7.36pm to Leeds.

"I am absolutely delighted that such modern rolling stock is being made available on our world famous line and 10 out of 10 to Arriva for this important new addition to the timetable," said Mr Johnstone.

He pointed out that 300 houses were being built in Hellifield and Long Preston and the new trains would encourage people to choose rail rather than road as a means of transport.

"What's especially exciting is that modern, efficient, air-conditioned rolling stock is going to be used on the line," said Mr Johnstone. "We have come a long way from the bad old days of British Rail saying no-one used the line and wanting to close it."

Arriva Trains Northern's managing director Ray Price said: "The team at Arriva has worked hard to make sure the train is used innovatively and to maximum benefit."

But he stressed: "It is vital that people understand that we have secured this train on a 12-month basis. In order for its continuation we need to demonstrate that the services are being well used and are sustainable."