THE proposed high speed rail college is coming to Yorkshire as Doncaster is selected to co-host the training centre.

After York missed out on its bid to host the college, failing to be shortlisted by the Government earlier this year, the city backed Doncaster’s bid to train at least 2,000 apprentices for the planned HS2 project.

Yesterday prime minister David Cameron announced the college will be based partly in Doncaster and partly in Birmingham, and is set to open in 2017.

Cllr James Alexander, leader of City of York Council and chairman of the East Coast Main Line Authorities, said: “We are delighted Doncaster’s bid to bring the rail college to Yorkshire was successful.

“This has very much been a team effort across Yorkshire partners and is fantastic news for the region. This will help to ensure we see a continued investment in the Northern rail links and firmly establish Yorkshire as a key business hub for the rail industry.

“We look forward to working closely with Doncaster to help deliver this growth for the region through the college, as well as ongoing investment as part of the East Coast Mainline Authorities.”