GNER is poised to clinch the East Coast Main Line franchise, it emerged today.

The York-based train operator, supported with more than 2,000 signatures by the Evening Press Back The Bid campaign, is now widely expected to be announced as the Strategic Rail Authority's preferred bidder for the service.

Industry sources indicate that GNER has beaten Virgin to the lucrative 20-year franchise, paving the way for more jobs for York and sub 90-minute journeys to the capital.

A senior source in the SRA told the Evening Press: "On December 4, we ratified GNER and we have done so again this time.

"Our decision in GNER's favour is now sitting in Trade Secretary Stephen Byers' in-tray. We expect an announcement sooner rather than later."

A senior railway insider added: "The word in the corridors is that GNER have got the nod, which will please many in the industry."

An SRA spokesman confirmed that a decision was made on June 7 by the rail regulator's board.

The spokesman refused to state whether it was in favour of GNER. "A decision has been made, but we will not say at this stage who the recommendation is for," he said.

GNER's plans include the introduction, from 2005 or 2006, of 25 new high-speed tilting trains, in a mix of electric and diesel power, which will provide faster and more comfortable journeys including sub-90 minute links between York to London.

Upgrades to York station are also planned as part of the bid.

A spokesman for GNER said: "We are greatly heartened by these reports. We are hopeful of receiving official confirmation as soon as possible so we can get on with the job of improving services.

"We are offering an exciting new railway to our passengers and, as we have said all along, we just want to be given the go ahead to run it."

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "If this is true than it is great news for York. The terms of the franchise need to be finalised quickly so the upgrade of the East Coast Main Line can begin."

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Trains was unavailable for comment today, but has confirmed in the past it will take legal action if GNER wins the franchise.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, June 28, 2001