HOPES of saving hundreds of York rail jobs have received another boost after two more bidders for the East Coast Main Line franchise hinted they might keep the route's HQ here.

First Rail says it recognises the contribution made to the franchise by "high-quality, experienced professionals in York".

It has also pointed out in a letter to York MP Hugh Bayley that when it has won other franchises elsewhere in Britain, it has never chosen to relocate them away from their historical base.

Meanwhile, Arriva has told the MP how it recognises the importance and value of all GNER's staff and what they have achieved, "and will be looking to build on this as we develop our plans for the franchise".

Four bidders are involved in the race to take over services on the flagship route from York to London and Edinburgh, following GNER's decision to give up its existing franchise.

GNER employs about 400 people at its York headquarters, and Mr Bayley has been pressing for potential franchisees to pledge to keeping the HQ in the city.

National Express made such a pledge last month, and a similar commitment was made earlier this month by a second bidder, a consortium of GNER with Richard Branson's Virgin and Stagecoach.

Arriva and First Rail have consistently refused to state where their HQ would be based, claiming that they are not allowed to disclose such information under the terms of the bidding process laid down by the Department of Transport.

Asked how two other bidders had been able to make such a commitment, they said that was a matter for those bidders and for the DoT.

However, First spokesman Robin Etherington did stress that the company had been talking to councillors and Mr Bayley, and was well aware of their concerns about the future of the HQ.

In a letter to Mr Bayley, First Chief Executive Moira Lockhead said the terms of the franchise process bound it to strict confidentiality on all matters, but she could say: "We recognise the contribution made to the franchise both by its strong regional presence and its access to high quality experienced professionals in York.

"In addition, we have a long-standing presence in the city with our First Transpennine Express rail operation and our bus networks. Over the last three years, we have mobilised more franchises than any other operator and not once have we chosen to undertake a relocation away from the city in which the operation has historically been based."

Peter Telford, managing director of Arriva Trains, said: "We do recognise the importance and value of all the staff of GNER, and what they have achieved, and will be looking to build on this as we develop our plans for the franchise.

"You may be reassured that existing GNER employees have TUPE rights to transfer to the new franchise operator."

Mr Bayley said the letters were encouraging, and he hoped that a full commitment to the city would be made in due course.

The deadline for bid for the franchise is June 6 and a decision will be made by the Government in the summer.