The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has received the equipment through a new partnership with Network Rail, aimed at supporting ongoing repairs and maintenance. Network Rail donated spare or surplus track materials, tools, and machinery to the not-for-profit heritage railway under the partnership. Clare Waller, area director for Network Rail Manchester, said: "Our partnership with the East Lancashire Railway is great for both parties. Mike Kelly, chair of the East Lancashire Railway, said: "We are delighted to be part of such a unique partnership based on mutual respect and desire to help each other out." Mike added: "Both organisations have key transport roles, and I always say Network Rail looks after the future and the ELR preserves Manchester and Lancashire’s proud industrial transport heritage."