EXCITEMENT is building as the countdown continues to the first direct train service between Burnley and Manchester in 43 years.

An hourly service between Burnley Manchester Road and Accrington will take travellers from East Lancashire to the city in just under an hour from the former, and 70 minutes from the latter, beginning on May 17.

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The services have come about thanks to the reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve, and trains have been operating on that section of track recently as they continue test runs ahead of the official opening of the line.

Northern Rail, Lancashire County Council and Burnley Council are planning a number of events over the next two weeks in the build-up to the first service, which will depart Burnley Manchester Road at 8.37am on Sunday, May 17.

The following week, on Tuesday, May 26, representatives of the Burnley Bondholders will be travelling to Manchester on the service from Burnley ahead of a meeting to discuss the economic benefits of the direct rail link.

A Northern Rail spokesperson said: “Bringing better services, improved stations and a positive experience is key to keeping our customers happy.

“From 17 May, our customers will benefit from a direct service to Manchester opening up a wealth of opportunities to the community.

“We’ve been working in partnership with Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council and preparations are well underway for celebrating the new and improved opportunity.”

The opening of the line has been hailed as a boost to business and tourism but it has been dogged by delays.