A £64 MILLION order to take rail passengers in the region into the new century was announced today.

North Western Trains, which operates services across the area, is replacing a third of its fleet with 27 new passenger trains.

The order is the biggest to be placed since privitisation of the railways.

Brian Scott, chief executive of parent company Great Western Holdings, said: "These new trains will revolutionise rail travel for the North West. It is exciting that the region is leading the field in setting new standards."

North Western Trains said the fleet, which will include 125mph 'fast' trains, would give passengers "new standards of speed and comfort". Air conditioning, quiet compartments and better access for diasbled people and cyclists are among the features of the new fleet which is due to start running by the year 2000.

Peter Strachan, managing director of North Western Trains said: "All our customers will benefit from this exciting development, which turns our promises into reality.

"These trains will put the region at the cutting edge of train technology and demonstrate what a difference a superb railway can make to the economy and quality of life of the region it serves."

The new trains will be built by GEC Alsthom at its Birmingam site.

Nine of the trains will be 125 mph versions, the first of their type in railway history to run over100 mph.

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