RAIL bosses are reeling after being refused permission to launch a new trans-Pennine train service.

York-based Grand Central Railway wanted to operate four services a day in each direction between Newcastle and Manchester Victoria.

Brighouse was one of the stops proposed by the operator.

Its plans are in tatters after being rejected by rail regulator Tom Winsor.

He said: "Most of the route it would serve already has high frequency, high-speed services, using rolling stock of a comparable quality."

The rail regulator added he had considerable doubt about the company's revenue projections.

Grand Central said today it hoped to come back with more plans.

The operator had said earlier it hoped to carry 750,000 passengers a year.

New standards of comfort were promised in refurbished carriages with superior seating.

The service was to have called at Darlington, York, Leeds, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse and Rochdale.

Ian Yeowart, Grand Central's managing director, said: "We remain of the view that the lower fares and improved standards of comfort offered by Grand Central can attract significant numbers of new passengers who do not currently use rail services.

"Grand Central will be studying the detailed findings issued by the rail regulator in the coming days and remains committed to the introduction of new and improved cross-Pennine rail services."