A DEAL has been struck to prevent the North losing out when trains are controversially swiped to serve Oxfordshire, ministers say.

There was uproar, last year, after the decision to withdraw nine locomotives from the TransPennine Express franchise, which serves towns across the North-East and Yorkshire.

The row reached the Commons, where Conservative ministers were criticised for laughing and jeering when a Labour MP protested at them moving to the Chilterns.

The rail operator itself criticised the transfer, pointing out the decision – taking effect from May - had been taken by a rolling stock leasing company.

Now the department for transport (Dft) has announced it has reached an agreement to ensure that “existing rail services will be maintained from May 2015”.

It includes a stipulation that every trans-Pennine service will boast a minimum of three carriages, or 181 seats, - where some currently have just two carriage trains, with 116 seats.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Rail services across the north are vital for passengers and for the economy.

“That is why we have worked hard with Northern and TransPennine Express to ensure we expand services and enhance passenger journeys.”

And Nick Donovan, managing director for First TransPennine Express (FTPE) said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work together and develop a plan that aims to protect rail services.”

TransPennine Express leases the nine trains at the centre of the row from a firm called Porterbrook.