GNER who have given up the East Coast Main Line contract after parent company Sea Containers ran into financial trouble, could still be in the frame to operate the service, following an announcement on 5 April.

Virgin Trains and Stagecoach, who have formed a joint venture, have announced that GNER would be 'partnering' them in their bid.

If awarded the new franchise, GNER will take a 10% stake in the franchise.

Virgin and Stagecoach would share the remaining 90% stake, which has been approved by the Department of Transport.

GNER is currently running East Coast services under a 'temporary management agreement' until the winner of the new franchise is announced.

The Chief Executive of Stagecoach PLC, Brian Souter, and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said in a joint statement: "The management capability within the GNER team, combined with the strong track-record of Stagecoach and Virgin in delivering high-quality rail services to passengers across the country, will allow us to submit an innovative and compelling bid."