Date: 30/11/2010

It is one of the most vital and eagerly awaited projects in Lancashire. And Government transport chiefs have repeatedly ensured concerned campaigners that electrification of the Manchester-Preston rail line IS happening. But transport minister Philip Hammond has sparked fresh disbelief when he was questioned about the scheme - by appearing not to even know where Preston is.

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On 31 July 2010 ex-LMS Pacific no 6201 Princesss Elzabeth coasts along the straight at Buckshaw Village between Chorley and Euxton Junction with the Cumbrian Mountain Express. DMU 150146 on a Preston to Hazel Grove service is about to pass the special, which was running slightly early at this point and was being slowed down due a conflicting movement at Euxton Junction.
Location: Buckshaw Parkway
Company: Bolton and Preston Railway
31/07/2010 John McIntyre

A Lancashire scene from the late 1950s with Aspinall ex-L&Y 2-4-2T no 50850, dating from the 1890s, waiting in the rain at Bolton with a local train on 7 April 1959. (Bolton station, opened by the MB&B in 1838, carried the suffix 'Trinity Street' between 1910 and 1954). The locomotive, which was a resident of nearby 26C at the time, was eventually withdrawn from Southport shed at the end of 1961.
Location: Bolton
Company: Manchester, Bolton and Bury Railway
07/04/1959 Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney)

A sizeable group of Saturday passengers heading for Bolton and Manchester at Lostock station wait to join Sprinter 150275. In this view towards Bolton the extensive railway land that has now been used for car parking, and which on a weekday would be full, can be seen as can the junction with the Westhoughton and Wigan line trailing in from the right.
Location: Lostock
Company: Bolton and Preston Railway
26/06/2010 Mark Bartlett