FOUR bidders competing to run the East Coast main line rail route have been asked to submit more details of their plans.

Industry watchdog the Strategic Rail Authority said the four had been given formal invitations to tender for the new franchise which starts on May 1, 2005.

The winner will run the inter-city service linking Yorkshire with London and Scotland for seven years - and a further three years if performance targets are met.

The bidders include GNER, which runs services on the route at present.

Also competing are Danish-based rail operator DBS; FirstGroup's London, Scottish and North East Railways; and Inter City-Railways - backed by Stagecoach Group and Virgin Group.

The SRA expects to announce a preferred bidder for the route early next year.

GNER, whose franchise expires at the end of April 2005, welcomed the latest announcement.

GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett said:

"The progress we've made in the first eight years provides the launch-pad to take services on the East Coast Main Line to new heights of reliability, quality and value for money.

"Our ambition is the creation of a rail service to rival the best in the world."