SIR Richard Branson's campaign to take over the operation of trains on the East Coast Main Line has rolled into York with the promise of more jobs and an ultra-fast line around the city.

With his Virgin Rail Group the tycoon hopes to win the 20-year franchise to run trains between London and Edinburgh.

The franchise is currently held by York-based GNER but the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority will be deciding between the two companies by the end of summer.

At a presentation at the Dean Court Hotel it was promised that Virgin would keep the headquarters in York should it win the right to run trains between London and Edinburgh.

Impressive-sounding plans to run a new £4.5 billion high speed line, with a section of it running around York and on to Scotland, were also unveiled.

Some trains would run along the new track and others would continue to run through York along the existing track.

It is the company's solution for a route the railway industry acknowledges can barely cope with existing traffic and overcrowding.

Will Whitehorn, Virgin rail group non-executive director, told the Evening Press that if the company won the franchise, like GNER, it will keep the HQ in York.

Many more jobs would be created in and around the city through the further expansion of the East Coast Main Line.

Mr Whitehorn said: "We are committed to the headquarters remaining in York. It will provide huge employment opportunities. We are confident that our bid will capture the vision and deliver the reality."

GNER's rival £3 billion package includes 25 new 140mph tilting trains and more services on the existing line.

Christopher Garnett, GNER chief executive, said: "I'm confident that we have submitted an excellent bid. A new GNER franchise will bring benefits to all passengers and will encourage even more to travel by train in the future."

Virgin's proposals are far more radical and centre on the new high speed link south of Peterborough to the north of Doncaster, with another new section bypassing York and rejoining the existing line south of Northallerton.

There would also be another new section between Newcastle and Edinburgh. The cost would be met by private sector investors.

Mr Whitehorn said Virgin planned to rebuild the existing East Coast fleet as Virgin Vitesse trains, incorporating a mix of diesel and electric power.

The high-speed line could be constructed and operational by 2009.

York would still get three trains an hour along the renamed "classic" East Coast route to London, with a journey time estimated at only one hour 29 minutes.

Virgin Stagecoach would team up with project management company Bechtel to deliver the high speed line if its bid is successful.

reporters@ycp.co.uk