APPLICANTS to run the East Coast rail franchise through York will find out in three weeks whether they have made it on to the shortlist.

Companies hoping to take over the running of services from York to London and Edinburgh will learn on February 9 whether they are still in the running.

The announcement was made in a response to a question by York MP Hugh Bayley in Parliament. Mr Bayley also asked how many firms had expressed an interest in bidding for the franchise.

But Tom Harris, parliamentary under- secretary in the Department for Transport, could not reveal the number due to commercial sensitivity.

Mr Bayley has vowed to try to protect jobs in York, and to urge whichever firm does eventually take over the franchise to have their headquarters in York.

Mr Bayley said: "The reason I put down the question is that I want to get in touch with all those that are shortlisted to see that, if they get the franchise, they will keep their headquarters in the city, and maintain management functions in the city, and protect York jobs."

The deadline for bids to operate the service closed on Monday.

As reported in The Press earlier this week, National Express Group has entered the race to run trains on the route.

Current franchise-holder GNER, a subsidiary of financially-troubled Sea Containers, would not confirm whether it would be submitting another bid, but expressed an interest in maintaining an involvement with the contract.

If National Express won the franchise, it would be in direct competition with its own coaches between London and Edinburgh.

Chief executive Richard Bowker said: "Our aim with the East Coast route is to build on what has been achieved and create a truly world-class integrated transport business."

First and Virgin have also both expressed an interest in taking over the franchise.

GNER gave up its franchise last month.