Broadcasting legend and keen rail traveller Sir Jimmy Savile has thrown his weight behind the Evening Press Back The Bid campaign.
Sir Jimmy visited York Station to sign our petition calling for GNER to be awarded the 20-year East Coast Main Line franchise and speak to staff and passengers.
The former miner, wrestler and radio and TV personality rushed to back the campaign which will secure faster and more frequent trains as well as additional jobs in the city.
"We already have the best service in Britain on the east coast," he told the Evening Press.
"Seeing as it can't get better, it can only get worse. So for God's sake let GNER have the franchise.
"We are so happy to be part of the great county of Yorkshire where everything is perfect, especially GNER."
Sir Jimmy, a former front man for British Rail during its "Age of the Train" campaign, has been travelling on trains since 1935.
He uses the full length of the East Coast Main Line to visit his homes in Leeds and Glasgow.
He spoke to staff at York Station where the Evening Press petition, to be handed in to John Prescott, is available to be signed.
GNER spokesman David Mallender said: "Sir Jimmy has had a long association with trains and he appreciates more than most the efforts our staff go to on this route.
"He is a very good advocate of our service."
Updated: 15:32 Thursday, March 08, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article