NORTHERN rail has given passengers a sneak preview of its new train.

The electric unit Class 331 and its diesel equivalent, being built by Spanish manufacturer CAF, will replace the firm’s disliked and ageing Pacer trains.

They were memorably described by the RMT rail union as “lashed up” and consisting of a bus body welded to a train chassis.

Northern is introducing 98 new trains as part of a multi-million pound modernisation of its rolling stock.

David Brown, managing director at Northern, said: “As well as looking like 21st Century trains, our new state-of-the-art units will be capable of travelling at 100mph, will have wifi, plug sockets at every seat, will be air conditioned and fully accessible.”

Tests on the new trains are scheduled over the spring and summer and passengers will get their first taste of them by Christmas when they enter service.