BUSINESS and political leaders have reacted with delight to today's announcement that Hitachi has been awarded a conrtact to build express trains in Newton Aycliffe.

Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport. "By signing this deal we have provided further proof of our determination to transform Britain's railways into a world-class operation through continued investment and state-of-the-art technology.

"This is good news for rail passengers and for British manufacturing."

Alistair Dormer, executive chairman and chief executive of Hitachi Rail Europe. "We are committed to the long-term development of engineering capability in the North-East and aim to repeat the success of Nissan and Toyota in the automotive industry by bringing world class practices to UK train manufacturing.

"This is fantastic news for passengers travelling between London, Edinburgh and beyond.

"We have increased legroom, included airline-sized overhead luggage storage, high-quality hotel-standard toilets with baby changing facilities, conveniently located bike storage and many more features that will make every journey on the trains a great experience."

North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham. "The North-East is the birthplace of the train; it will be fantastic to once again be UK leaders in this industry.

"The challenge is now to ensure the region has the skills and experience to guarantee Hitachi a long and profitable relationship with the North-East.

"Not only is this great news for passengers who regularly use the East Coast Mainline, it is a huge boost to regional manufacturing and a renewed declaration from the Government that it is committed to Hitachi's Newton Aycliffe operation.

"Hitachi's investment will undoubtedly continue the industrial renaissance that started when Nissan arrived in the North East of England. The scale of investment and the volume of jobs associated with it will have a profoundly positive impact upon our region's economy."

Phil Wilson, Sedgefield MP: "I have been urging ministers to sign the contract. I reminded them of the strategic importance of this project to an area that has been hard hit by job cuts."

Beth Farhat, Northern TUC Regional Secretary. "This is fantastic news because it will not only safeguard hundreds of jobs but will bring a much needed boost to the region. The North-East must respond by ensuring people have the right skills to meet the growing demands and opportunities within manufacturing.

"These high skilled and well-paid jobs are exactly what we need in order to get the economy moving again and I hope that many young people and local businesses will benefit from this announcement."

James Wharton, Stockton South MP. "This decision and the £1.2bn contract it brings will help us to address the historic problem of unemployment across Teesside.

"This is good news, it means new and more jobs and investment and will I am sure be welcomed right across the political and business communities in the North-East."