CALLS have been made for ideas on how to use old Pacer trains as they start to be phased out.

The trains - described as 'buses on train wheels' - were only intended for short-term use but many are still running.

But now with the £500 million roll-out of 101 new trains starting this summer, the long-overdue phase-out of Pacers from northern railway lines is coming.

It has prompted Pendle's MP Andrew Stephenson to ask people for suggestions on how to use the Pacer trains, as part of a competition launched by the rail industry and Department for Transport.

And Mr Stephenson said he has received a positive response from the community, with ideas including creating homeless shelters, restaurants and pop-up shops.

He said: "I’ve already raised some of the suggestions people have put forward with Transport Ministers and would encourage anyone with a bright idea to put it forward.”