FIRST TransPennine Express has unveiled a train soon to enter service in the North.

The first of a fleet of 51 trains being built by Siemens for the rail firm was unveiled in Germany.

The 100mph Class 185 Pennine diesel train was shown off by Moir Lockhead, chief executive of First Group, Joern Sens, a board member with Siemens Transportation Systems, and Ellen Harwood, head of new business development at HSBC Rail, which will own and lease the trains to First.

The fleet, ordered in September 2003, has cost £250m.

Passengers will be able to travel on the trains from the spring, and First expects to have the full fleet operating by the end of January 2007.

Mr Lockhead said: "We have developed an unrivalled track record for introducing new trains to rail franchises to benefit millions of passengers in their daily journeys and are poised to bring the very best in modern-day travel to the North of England."

This will be the first diesel version of the Siemens Desiro electric train design, and the trains will have air conditioning, security cameras and easier access for disabled people.

There will be space for two wheelchairs and a wheelchair accessible toilet.

Equipped with three Cummins engines, the trains are faster up hills and more reliable.