Rural West York councillor Ian Gillies has spoken out in favour of Harrogate Trains Limited's plans to start a new service between Harrogate, Poppleton and London.

Harrogate Trains, from the company that runs Hull Trains, have proposed that 8 trains a day should be used on the route.

Conservative councillor Gillies argued that the service would not only help Poppleton and York residents, but boost the local economy.

However, Network Rail have expressed doubts about the plans for fear of over-crowded tracks but the Office of Rail Regulation will make a final decision.