HUDDERSFIELD'S MP has joined the calls for Britain's mail trains to be saved.

Labour MP Barry Sheerman said the decision to put more lorries on the road was ludicrous.

Mail trains have been running in Britain for 165 years.

But in order to turn round huge losses, Royal Mail has decided to phase out the mail sorting service on trains.

The company believes it will save £90m a year by carrying all Britain's post by rail and air.

Mr Sheerman said: "The environmental implications of hauling mail by road rather than rail are enormous.

"Rail is cleaner, safer and more efficient. Putting a greater burden on our already clogged roads will be a disaster."

The MP called on Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to intervene.

Mr Sheerman added: "We should be moving freight off the roads, not making the problem worse.

"I find it hard to believe the Government is allowing Royal Mail to make such a ludicrous decision."