Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has announced plans for better trains in the north to reduce overcrowding and cut journey times.

Mr Clegg is calling for electrified cross-Pennine links between Liverpool and Manchester on one side and Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull on the other by 2025.

As a result of the investment, journey times between any two of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield would be shortened to 40 minutes, while overcrowding would also be reduced.

Cross-Pennine rail routes are used by more than 25 million people every year and over a third of passengers have to stand during their commute.

The deputy prime minister told the BBC the economy of the north was being held back due to inadequate trains.

"There are thousands boarding these so-called 'pacer' trains. There is nothing pacey about them at all. They are cattle trucks on wheels," he said.