HAVING survived a seven- and-a-half hour train journey across country by Virgin Rail, my faith in supporting retention of the personalised booking office staff at York station has been restored.

I had first class service with additional help for the aged to ensure I arrived at St Austell instead of Glasgow.

However, it was noticeable between stations that there was overcrowding for local commuters and school children.

To alleviate this growing problem, the sooner we proceed to improve rail lines and rolling stock for long distance travel the better.

With the Northern Powerhouse venture in mind, this would encourage people to let the train take the strain.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York