RAILWAY enthusiasts with £20 million plans to bring the golden age of steam trains back to Ashburton have won an ally in Central Devon MP Mel Stride.

Mr Stride, who lives in the town, believes the proposals put forward by the Friends of Ashburton Station should be taken seriously.

The friends argue that their renaissance of the Chuley Road site will be a vital boost for the local economy and put the town on the railway heritage map.

They want to build a heritage centre at the old station building, re-lay track along Bulliver's Way to Pear Tree Cross and, in time, reconnect the rail link to Buckfastleigh.