Expansion hope for train service

The company is awaiting a decision from the rail regulator

Rail company Grand Central is hoping to expand its service five months after it began operating between London and the north-east of England.

The East Coast Mainline link from Sunderland, via Teesside and North Yorkshire, was initially plagued by a series of delays and setbacks.

However, demand is now so good the company is hoping to run an additional return train every day.

It would be timed to benefit day trippers and football supporters.

'Own service'

Ian Yeowart, managing director of the company's development arm, Grand Union, said: "Sunderland is a big city, we also go through Hartlepool, and you can't deny that these are large places that have been remote for a long time.

"People like to feel they have actually got a service of their own, and certainly the business people and leisure travellers have been very supportive, and we are grateful to the support they have shown us during the times of disruption."

The company is awaiting a decision from the rail regulator before it purchases new rolling stock.

"If it is positive, and we get it in the next four weeks or so we could be up and running by July," Mr Yeowart added.

Grand Central trains also stop at Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York.