Bury, Blackburn and Rawtenstall are to appear on Great British Railway Journeys this evening (Monday).

TV presenter Michael Portillo, who has presented the show since its launch in 2010, has created a new series of the programme which will focus on the North West.

The first episode in the 14th series will see Michael travel from Preston across to Rawtenstall, looking at Blackburn’s political past and popping into the East Lancashire Railway along his way.

Read more: Bury storms force businesses to shut after floods wreak havoc

A BBC spokesperson said: “Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth.

“He’s a ‘boomer’, born in the decade after the end of the Second World War, and he recalls the optimism and excitement of rebuilding a nation exhausted by conflict.

“At Preston’s Fulwood Barracks, Michael is called up for National Service but fails to impress the drill sergeant.

“Two veterans share their memories of postwar military action.

Read more: M66 crash: Driver admits causing Oldham mum's death

“At the Preston Bypass, now part of the M6, he heard how the pioneering project aimed to tackle congestion and links the north of England to the south.

“In Blackburn, Michael investigates the town’s political heritage and its fiery red-headed MP, Barbara Castle.

“At Bury's Bolton Street Station, Michael meets the volunteers who operate the fabulously preserved East Lancashire Heritage Railway and learns how the Beeching cuts affected rail services in the area.”

Read more: Two charged after boy found injured in Bury Street

The episode from Preston to Rawtenstall will air at 6.30pm tonight (Monday) and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.

If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Alicegerrard157 or email alice.gerrard@newsquest.co.uk.