A DECISION on who will run trains on the East Coast Main Line will be announced very shortly, Alistair Darling has promised.

The Transport Secretary spoke out in the House of Commons after he was urged to back the current operator, York-based GNER, by MPs Hugh Bayley and Anne McIntosh.

GNER is competiting against FirstGroup, Danish Railways and Virgin-Stagecoach for the right to operate services on the 400-mile line, which links London King's Cross, York and Scotland.

Mr Bayley, pictured, Labour MP for City of York, said 30,000 members of the public had supported GNER's bid.

He said: "There is no doubt that GNER has performed substantially better than any other train operating company.

"GNER's current franchise ends in just a few weeks' time.

"Do you agree that the current uncertainty should be ended as soon as possible?"

Miss McIntosh, Tory MP for Vale of York, said: "The franchise should not just be awarded on the basis of value for money, but also for customer service."

Mr Darling said: "I hope to make an announcement in relation to the franchise very, very shortly.

"I'm well aware of the representations and people's feeling in respect of GNER. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the very near future."

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), which oversees the railways for the Government, has now sent its recommendation to the Secretary of State.

Alan Hyde, GNER's corporate director, said: "All the reports are encouraging and we are very much looking forward to a positive announcement in the very near future."

Updated: 10:23 Wednesday, March 09, 2005