Plans for quick links to capital

It is hoped the service would include four services a day

Four rail stations in West Yorkshire could have new high-speed links to London if plans are approved.

Grand Central Railways plans to run trains from Bradford Interchange, Halifax, Brighouse and Wakefield Kirkgate to the capital via Doncaster.

Proposals, which include four intercity trains a day, will be presented to the Office of Rail Regulation on Wednesday.

The York-based company said it could start operating the services in December 2005 if approved.

The service could include four 125mph trains a day.

Ian Yeowart, managing director of Grand Central, said: "We have always been aware of the poor service provision to Bradford and other stations in the Calder Valley.

"The proposal is the culmination of detailed work evaluating the likely service provision available from the East Coast franchise."

Grand Central Railways was formed five years ago to develop and launch rail services in the North of England.