A BID for £93m of funding has been launched as part of a ten-year battle to improve rail services on the York, Harrogate and Leeds line.

Politicians, business groups and rail operators have collaborated to produce a business case highlighting the need for the electrification of the line, which they say will deliver £400m of economic benefits.

The upgrade and electrification proposal would see train frequency double on the line, which has seen a 20 per cent rise in passengers over the last five years.

Journey times would also be cut, with 15 minutes shaved off the York to Leeds route in total, along with plans for more early morning and late evening trains.

The funding bid, which was officially launched at Harrogate railway station, will now be presented to the Department of Transport by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.