INTERNATIONAL firm Siemens has been made preferred bidder to supply up to 56 new three-car diesel trains for the routes across the Pennines.

The group has landed a deal with FirstGroup/Keolis for the trans-Pennine Express franchise - and it is expected to be worth £250m.

When finalised, the order will push Siemens up into the number two position for new passenger trains with a 25% share of the UK market since privatisation.

The Siemens trains, called Desiros, will be specifically designed for operation on the trans- Pennine network which covers the principal inter-city routes across the north of England including Huddersfield.

The trains will be capable of speeds of 100mph and will deliver significant improvements to passengers, including air conditioning, advanced passenger information systems, CCTV and facilities for disabled travellers.

The new trains are due to enter passenger service in early 2006.

Kevin Tutton, managing director of Siemens Transportation Systems in the UK, said: "This is excellent news for Siemens. Our growth over the past three years has been significant.

"Winning this deal, will make Siemens the second largest supplier of new trains in the UK.

"We are committed to investing in the UK railway industry and to working with the Strategic Rail Authority and train operators to deliver the improved performance that rail passengers in the UK deserve."

Moir Lockhead, chief executive of FirstGroup, said: "We want to hit the ground running. The sooner we order the trains the sooner they can enter service."

In addition to supplying the rolling stock, Siemens is also the preferred bidder for a deal to maintain, fuel and clean the new trains at two new purpose-built traincare facilities in Manchester and York.

More than 100 new jobs will be created at the facilities to service and maintain the trains. This will increase Siemens' UK rail workforce to more than 600, most of them dedicated to service and maintenance.

Siemens was established in the UK 160 years ago. The company employs 18,000 people in the UK, including 6,000 in the manufacturing sector.