WYRE Forest’s MP has been appointed chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Heritage Railways.

Conservative Mark Garnier has been treasurer of the APPG for over a year. As chairman of the APPG he will undertake new work, expected to begin in the new year, to assess the economic impact of heritage railways on local communities.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to take over from Nicky Morgan as chair of this APPG. I look forward to continuing the hard work she began to promote the interests of heritage railways as important local assets.”