RAIL operator Arriva has blamed a shortage of drivers for disruption to its services in the region.

In a letter to regional MPs, local authorities, rail user groups and business leaders, the company's chief executive, Mr Bob Davies, apologised for the inconvenience being experienced by customers.

He said that, when Arriva acquired the former Northern Spirit franchise last year, it faced problems such as a shortage of staff, insufficient rolling stock and serious maintenance backlogs.

An increase in passenger and freight business, coupled with the introduction of the 35-hour week, further exacerbated these problems and had been the cause of a national shortage of train drivers.

As a result of these changes, the company said it found itself short of a further 40 drivers. And as it took 12 months to fully train new drivers, cancellations and disruption to its service had occurred.

Mr Davies added: "Despite the excellent co-operation from our staff, the problem has been more acute in our franchise than in others because of the shortage of drivers when we acquired it - a shortfall of 60 drivers.

"We fully recognise the inconvenience that is being caused to our customers and we are committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible."

Arriva said that since February of last year, nearly 60 drivers had been trained and introduced, and by the end of this year that number would have doubled.

A further 170 drivers are expected to be added next year in a bid to provide a long-term solution to the problem.