The final Cumbria and Lancashire Rail Utilisation Strategy (RUS) sets out Network Rail's 10 year plan for the future of the county's train routes.

It looks at increasing the number of rail services, with better connections, better stations and other improvements.

Between 2009-2014 it says Network Rail will work to provide more regular train services between Preston and Ormskirk and an improved service between Preston and Southport, lengthen trains and platforms on the Manchester to Clitheroe line with peak time services between Manchester and Blackburn extended to Clitheroe, and make improvements at Preston train station.

That will mean minor alterations on platforms one and two at Preston to improve passenger flow and ability to get connections.

It will mean relocating the buffet and staff accommodation from their present position to elsewhere on the platform, and improving passenger facilities.

Next year Network Rail and stakeholders are due to begin work on the West Coast Main Line RUS, which is is scheduled to include a major project to update Preston station.

Peter Strachan, route director for Network Rail said: "After a successful consultation process, I am convinced that we now have a robust and purposeful strategy for delivering a rail network in Lancashire and Cumbria that can handle the expected increase in use over the next decade or so.

"This is an exciting time for the rail industry. The changes ahead will improve the reliability, capacity and connectivity of routes across the north west. We appreciate all the contributions to both the development process of the strategy and to the consultation."

The strategy will now be presented to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). The ORR has 60 days to consider this after which it will become an established strategy.