TOWN councillors in Andover have agreed to work with their colleagues over the county border in Wiltshire to secure an Andover to Ludgershall steam heritage route.

The two councils will now establish a joint steering group to move the idea forwards.

Town councillor Katherine Bird said: “Having something like that on our own doorstep is a great idea.”

Councillor David Drew, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the two towns and would certainly boost the economy.”

The proponents are not asking for any money from the town council though they need support from the authorities if they are to get the military authorities and Network Rail to agree.

Currently the line to the Ludgershall railhead is for military traffic.