BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is hoping to meet representatives of both Arriva and First Group -- two companies bidding for the trans-Pennine rail franchise which links East Lancashire with West Yorkshire.

The MP has written to Arriva, who currently run the local trans-Pennine Service, via Burnley Manchester Road, Accrington and Blackburn stations.

He said: "This Northern Spirit service was taken over last year from MTL and the franchise should have ended in February this year. It has now been extended to 2003.

"I am seeking to meet them to discuss this service which has tremendous potential, in my view, and seems at the moment to be moving in the right direction.

"They are bidding for the franchise to continue the service. I am also seeking to meet First Group who are also bidding for the service. It will be interesting to see what plans they have for this service. I hope one of them or both of them have the vision to take what potentially clearly exists."