Transport chiefs have pledged to investigate a campaigning pensioner's plea for train station to be re-opened.

Hundreds of people have signed Pool-in-Wharfedale resident Ken Shaw's petition calling for Arthington Station to be used again. And his call is being backed by the mayor of nearby Otley.

Mr Shaw, 82, of Arthington Lane, handed over his petition to Councillor Michael Lyons, chairman of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (WYPTA), when he visited the station site.

The station, which lies on the Leeds to Harrogate line, was closed almost 30 years ago.

But it is included on a list of 30 places in West Yorkshire, identified by the WYPTA as suitable for a rail station.

Mr Shaw, a retired manager with the British Transport Commission, is seeking a definite commitment and hopes to see a station opened at Arthington in the next four years.

He said: "The petition's been signed by more than 600 people.

"The roads into Leeds are clogged up every morning with cars driven by people who could easily go by train if there was a station here."

Mr Shaw said those wanting to use the train had to travel several miles to Horsforth, Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale or Weeton in North Yorkshire to reach a station.

He added: "We're very poorly served by public transport in this area but a station there would be within walking distance for a lot people in Pool and I'm sure it would be very well used."

Otley mayor Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) said: "If we want to get people off the roads we need to provide a superior rail service and connections and in my view the only way to do that is to open more railway stations.

"A station in this area would be very convenient for people in Pool and Arthington and for those on the eastern side of Otley wanting to get to Leeds it would probably be easier for them to get there than Menston."

Councillor Lyons, a former train driver, said: "I'll be discussing the issue with my officers and Railtrack and have the feasibility of having a station there examined.

"My view is that public transport is a must and studies show the more lines and stations we can open up the more people will use them."

Councillor Lyons said once it was established a new station was needed the Strategic Rail Authority would be approached for funding.