TOWN councillors have agreed to set into motion a strategy to try and bring a regular passenger rail service back to Okehampton.

The council discussed the status of the railway a full meeting last week and agreed to a number of strategies to try and aid the future development of passenger services to the town.

The council is to write to other town and parish councils who may benefit from or want to see the re-instatement of the Okehampton line, in an effort to create a powerful voice that can lobby together.

Cllr Dr Michael Ireland, who has been particularly keen to see the railway return to the town, said: 'We should write to the councils on this rail corridor we've talked about, including Tavistock, and ask for their support to get a rail service returned to Okehampton and the parishes and towns beyond.'

Cllr Christine Marsh agreed, saying: 'We should remind these other councils that we are still on the case and we want the railway back.'

The council is also looking at the possibility of carrying out a census to gauge the usage of the Sunday Rover train to and from Exeter, and whether there would be demand for a similar Saturday service.

A passenger survey by the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association and a feasibility survey commissioned by British American Rail Services in 2011 both indicate a need and desire for services through Okehampton and beyond.

The proposals were first put forward at Destination Okehampton, a town council working group set up to make the town a more enticing and exciting destination for local people and tourists alike.