Campaigners calling for a railway in Fife to be reopened after almost 50 years say it would bring huge benefits to Levenmouth.

The five-mile track between Leven and Thornton was shut in 1969 as part of the Beeching cuts.

A petition to reinstate it, launched by the Levenmouth Rail Campaign group, has so far attracted 12,500 signatures.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth will also raise the issue during a debate at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

She said Levenmouth was the largest urban area in Scotland not directly served by the rail network and the public transport link would bring economic benefits.

The line would pass through Methil, Leven, Cameron Bridge and East Neuk.

The tracks remain in place but have largely become overgrown.

Gilruth said: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to bring this campaign to Holyrood on behalf of my constituents and to make their voice heard on this issue.

"Levenmouth could benefit massively from reopening the rail link to the area.

"This is a large urban area with a large population - the largest urban area in Scotland without a rail link - and it makes sense for all parties to explore how best to bring this existing rail link back into use."

She added: "The fact that the track is already there makes this issue an open goal - the project would not require massive investment to make it operational again and the benefits for people across Levenmouth would be massive.

"The economic benefit of having a rail link would help support a community that has seen job losses in recent years, with banks and high street shops closing.

"The ability to connect into surrounding towns and on to Edinburgh would be a great boost for all of Levenmouth."