NORTON councillors are to send a letter of support to a campaign to restore an historic rail line.

A petition has been launched calling for the rail link between Malton and Pickering to be re-established.

The line was closed as part of the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, but Whitby Town Council now wants see it restored.

It has asked for support from other local authorities for the campaign, which the council feels would provide a useful link for those travelling between Pickering and Malton and make it possible to travel by train between Whitby and York.

Coun Hugh Spencer said although he was sceptical about its success he supported the idea.

“In terms of what the railway does in Pickering, to have something similar in Malton I would fully support,” he said.

Coun David Lloyd-Williams said in principle it was a good idea.

“I fear it is a pipedream – too many things have happened since the line closed but it is a nice idea,” he added.