MESSAGES of support have been pouring into the offices of York-based train operator GNER in its bid to continue running for the next 20-years.

Great North Eastern Railway is facing competition from Richard Branson's Virgin Trains, which has put together a glossy package in an attempt to win the East Coast Mainline franchise, up for grabs this summer.

The new contender is promising to run ultra-fast trains between York and London, but earlier this week the Evening Press reported how Virgin's plans to introduce such services within ten years were branded "over-ambitious" by the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority - the organisation which grants the nation's franchises.

This view is reflected by the many messages of support being sent to GNER's headquarters by the general public and local VIPs.

Roland Harris, chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We believe that GNER have done a good job and they deserve the opportunity to develop their plans further.

"The business community is keen to see services developed on the East Coast Main Line with GNER's planned improvements in frequency, transit times and access to other points around the region, like Selby and Hull."

A morale-boosting poster for GNER staff carries some of the many letters and e-mails sent by the public. One reads: "GNER has run an excellent service. The performance of Virgin on the West Coast Main Line falls far short than that of GNER."

Another says: "We are appalled to read of Virgin's intentions to bid for the East Coast Main Line franchise. We think the GNER service is great - gleaming trains, clean windows, superb staff and excellent breakfasts make the journey a pleasure."

York MP Hugh Bayley, said: "GNER is a very important local company who made a strong commitment to manage the East Coast Main Line in York."

GNER spokesman Dave Mallender said: "We are very pleased by this spontaneous support by individuals and organisations."