THIS photograph from 1988 records a fairly rare occurrence.

It is of Lostock Junction which having been closed like so many other stations by the Beeching Axe in 1966 was actually being brought back into service.

Over £300,000 was being spent on the new station which would give residents direct rail access to Manchester, Bolton and Preston.

Half-hourly trains at peak times were promised with a two-hourly service operating on Sundays.

A new car park and booking office were part of the upgrade to the station.