A NORTH Yorkshire wine merchant has secured a contract worth more than £500,000 to supply York-based train company GNER with wine until 2005.

Playford Ros, of Thirsk, has already been supplying GNER since November 1999, but the new contract formalises the deal.

Andrew Firth, the managing director of Playford Ros, said: "The perception and reality of railway catering has changed radically since the dark days of the infamous British Rail sandwich. GNER travellers now expect to eat and drink well and to enjoy their journey in comfort and style. We are very happy to fulfil these expectations."

Nick Spencer, the catering development manager of GNER, said: "We are extremely pleased that Playford Ros has won this contract. We have had a gentleman's agreement with them over the past couple of years and we have had a great relationship during that time. Now it's official - and we couldn't be happier.

He added: "I am particularly pleased because when the contract went out to tender earlier this year, Playford Ros were up against some major players. Despite this, the company won on merit. That was an impressive achievement."

The contact to supply GNER with wine runs out in April 2005, when GNER's franchise is up for renewal.

Playford Ros's wine will be available in quarter, half and full bottles and has been specially blended and bottled for GNER. The white wines are from Chile, Australia and France, while the red wines come from Chile, Australia and Spain. Playford Ros is also supplying Taylor's port in 20cl bottles.

Overall, more than 200,000 bottles a year will be bought by GNER from Playford Ros and will complement GNER's new menu, which will be announced next month.

Updated: 08:50 Tuesday, September 30, 2003