OFFICIALS from train operator GNER last night dismissed as "selective and flawed" a study that said its passengers pay inflated fares.

Figures from the RMT union suggested people using the East Coast Main Line were paying about three times more per mile than travellers on Belgian and French railways.

But the company hit back at the findings and said it offered good value for money, which was borne out by the number of people using its services.

The RMT's figures follow its fears that GNER will raise fares following its ten-year franchise deal signed this year, in which it agreed to pay the Government £1.3bn.

The RMT compared the cost of single-fare tickets on sections of the East Coast line with fares for journeys in Belgium and France.

The union said a standard one-way journey from London to York (187 miles) costs £70, while such a journey would cost £22.68 in Belgium and £22.25 in France.

The study also said that GNER passengers travelling from London to York pay 38p- a-mile standard class and 63p- a-mile in first class on a return journey, while those on return trips from Darlington, North-allerton and Durham to the capital pay 36p-a-mile standard class.

Company spokesman John Gelson said: "The comparisons between GNER fares and those charged by other organisations are selective and flawed as they do not tell the whole story.

"The RMT is only showing GNER's most expensive, fully flexible fares.

"Large discounts apply for walk-up travel in the off-peak, in the form of Saver tickets, while more than 1.5 million people last year alone travelled on GNER's first or standard off-peak advance purchase fares, which offer even greater savings.

"Train travel on our route is also good value compared with alternative modes of travel. The RAC quote the average cost of using a car, including wear and tear, at around 45p per mile.

"In contrast, a walk-up Saver ticket from Darlington to London costs £84 return, or 18.1p a mile.