The Campaign To Reopen The Ivanhoe line says it is receiving strong support for its bid to relaunch the route between Burton and Leicester - including stations at Ashby and Moira.

CRIL's latest newsletter, released this week, says a Strategic Outline Business Case is being prepared.

But it adds that the Department for Transport and Network Rail 'see their role as helping them to succeed'.

Campaigners seeking to re-open the line were given a huge boost in May when Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on National TV that the scheme could become reality Grant Shapps boosts Ivanhoe Line hopes

In a televised Government briefing, Mr Shapps named the proposed railway line as one of schemes in line for funding.

He announced £283million worth of investment in public transport and he named the Ivanhoe Line as something that could 'get built fast'.

CRIL have now given an update in their newsletter.

It says: "CRIL committee members are working closely with the DfT support team in the preparation of a minimum Strategic Outline Business Case.

"The support team consists of staff from the DfT and Network Rail who are very positive and constructive and see their role as helping us to succeed.

"Successful completion of the SOBC will give a ticket into the next stage of the process which will be more detailed and will require the commissioning of a consultancy.

"This is the best opportunity to get this line reopened to passenger services in the past 30 years and we are doing all we can to make it happen."

CRIL are also planning to produce a calendar this year and are asking for photos to be submitted.

The newsletter continues: "We are planning to produce a calendar this year in order raise funds for campaigning.

"We have some photographs that  can be used but we have gaps of other locations on the line particularly south of Coalville.

"We would also like to depict some wintry scenes for use in December and January.

"We are asking you out there if you would like to submit photographs for inclusion in the calendar. If you would like to help please send to [email protected]."

The line was closed to passenger services under the Beeching Closures in 1964 but campaigners also plan stations at Gresley and Coalville.