A York train company today has a new name and look.

OUT goes Regional Railways North East, inherited by the privatised firm from the old days of British Rail.

IN comes Northern Spirit, along with a bold new livery.

"We have chosen a new look that is strong, bold and uniquely ours, with colours that are modern and mark the change from our older, more traditional approach," said managing director Paul Davison.

"Our trains will have a different look and livery, but this is about much more than swapping colours - it is a complete culture change."

He said the name reflected a new spirit guiding the company's efforts, and it reflected the straightforward values that were a part of the region... "The concern for people. The belief in hard work. The open friendliness. The sense of community. All this is a part of the spirit of the North and of our railway."

The name and look had been carefully developed and thoroughly researched to make sure they were attractive to customers, he added.

The Transpennine name remains for the company's key services across the Pennines, such as the York-Manchester Airport route. Mr Davison stressed that the company had already introduced many improvements, including a £10 million upgrade of the interior of virtually all the company's rolling stock.

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