Plans for a new train service offering cheaper fares between London and Edinburgh is being developed in the hope of enticing customers to switch from air to rail travel.

FirstGroup has submitted documents to give the firm access to the east coast rail tracks.

If granted approval the new service will run from London King’s Cross, through Stevenage, up the east coast and stop at Edinburgh.

FirstGroup’s chief executive Tim O’Toole said: “We hope to entice passengers away from budget airlines through our low fares and high-quality trains. We have put our compelling case to the Office of Rail Regulation and we are looking forward to hearing the outcome of our application.”

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said: “These are incredibly exciting plans and demonstrate how important Stevenage is to the economic recovery.”