Alistair Darling has set out plans to increase the number of people using railways in the countryside.

Detailing the government's community rail development strategy, the transport secretary said it was important to put the lines on an "improved financial footing".

He said "increasing usage whilst reducing costs" was a key aim of the plan, which was overseen by the Strategic Rail Authority.

Costs can be brought down through ensuring the lines are not "gold plated" to the standards required for heavily-used or high-speed lines, the strategy said.

Focus is also placed on involving local communities in supporting and developing the lines.

And improved marketing strategies should boost passenger volumes, it says.

Vision

Setting out his vision for an improved and more efficient service Darling said: "Rural railways are important to many parts of the country.

"We want more people to use rural railway lines and the development of community railways is a vital part of that.

"The future of rural lines depends on effective partnerships between local authorities, community groups and, of course, passengers.

"The SRA's community rail development strategy clearly sets out how this can be achieved and the government is extremely keen to see it implemented."

David Quarmby, chairman of the SRA, said there were currently "too many empty seats" on Britain's branch lines.

"This strategy charts a way both to grow income and to reduce costs," he said.

"The prize is worth winning - a railway with a long term future that contributes more to the local economy, as well as to meeting government targets on accessibility, the environment and social exclusion."

In total some 56 routes across England and Wales are to be designated as community rail lines.

Seven of these lines - in areas such as Cornwall,  Skegness and the Esk Valley - have been selected as pilot projects where different aspects of the strategy will now be tested.