FIVE train firms are in with a chance of winning the upcoming Northern franchise, the Government's rail body announced today.

The Strategic Rail Authority has announced the parties which will be able to bid to run train services in the north of England.

The train companies which have qualified are Arriva Trains, FirstGroup, GB Railways, Eurailco UK and Serco Rail/Netherlands Railways.

The franchise, which will be up to seven years in duration, is expected to commence in late summer 2004.

The franchise is currently operated by Arriva Trains Northern, which has a contract until 2004.

The five parties have now been invited to submit detailed bids.

Updated: 11:16 Tuesday, April 01, 2003