GRAND Central Rail is to apply to run more services on its North-East route.

The York based firm wants to increase its five return services per day from the North-East to London to six and will submit a proposal to the Office of Rail and Road.

Earlier this year Grand Central, which only began operating in 2007, was rated best value long distance train operator for the sixth year running in the National Rail Passenger Survey.

It is also submitting several other bids for service extensions.

Managing director Richard McClean said: “We believe that expanding our operations will benefit our existing and potential new passengers, as well as grow existing markets.

“We see these additional services as continuing the economic growth we have supported in communities along our routes by enabling social mobility and enabling communities to thrive.

“The proposed services are essential to encouraging competition in the rail market and to connecting communities and businesses.”