York-based Grand Central Railways had bid to run four trains a day from Sunderland, taking in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

On Friday, The Office of Rail Regulation said it was minded to approve three services a day from Sunderland to London.

A final decision on the application is expected to be made early in February.

The services would also provide direct journeys to London from Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe and Hartlepool.

Passenger benefits

Office of Rail Regulation chief executive Bill Emery said: "We have had to consider how to balance the interests of rail users in different parts of Yorkshire and the North East and take account of the effect of new services on existing franchised services.

"We believe that the proposed decision would offer the best outcome for rail users.

"It would bring significant benefits to passengers on the route and particularly to those areas that would receive a new direct service connecting them with London."

Before reaching its final decision, it is seeking comments on the proposed decision with the deadline 6 February.

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Sunderland Echo: 27 January 2006

ALL ABOARD

THE Echo today won the monumental battle to restore a direct rail link from Sunderland to London.
Rail bosses have succumbed to pressure from our campaign ? which saw 3,000 people sign a petition ? securing three return trains a day.

The Office of Rail Regulation will recommend the service goes ahead, after a push by rookie operator Grand Central led by the Echo's Back on Track campaign.

Grand Central chief Ian Yeowart today thanked the Echo and its readers for backing the bid.

He said the trains could be running within a year from Sunderland Central Station ? one in the morning, one at lunchtime and one in the evening.

The decision by the Office of Rail Regulation comes 12 months after the Echo's campaign was launched.
Mr Yeowart said: "The support we've had has been instrumental in this decision. Everybody has played their part ? the Echo, the MPs, the councillors and everybody who signed the petition.

"We think the trains should be running in early-mid 2007. You've waited 50 years for a service like this to return to Sunderland and we're delighted to be in the position to bring it."

The trains will run from the city, through York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe and Hartlepool.
Bill Emery, ORR chief executive, said: "We believe that the proposed decision would offer the best outcome for rail-users.

"It would bring significant benefits to passengers on the route and particularly to those areas that would receive a new direct service connecting them with London as well as the more general benefits arising from the promotion of competition on the network."

Echo editor Rob Lawson said: "I'm absolutely delighted at the news. It's a real boost for the people of Wearside who want to travel to London.

"I want to thank everybody who has supported our campaign and I firmly believe they've made a difference. I now look forward to being on the first train back down to London."

Joe Lawson, Sunderland's transport councillor, said: "This is a great day for Sunderland. It can only enhance the profile of Sunderland, and I also want to thank all the people who signed the Echo's petition.

"They are to be congratulated for their support. It shows what you can do when you get the bit between your teeth."