Politicians and business leaders in York have welcomed plans for a HS3 high-speed rail network linking northern cities.

Sir David Higgins, chairman of HS2, has published a report recommending that the line continue along a Y shape towards Manchester and Leeds, with a spur linking to the East Coast Line at York, The York Press reports.

This was welcomed by the East Coast Mainline Authorities, which is chaired by City of York Council leader James Alexander, with the consortium calling for York Station to be transformed into "a HS2 Hub" to benefit the region.

According to the group, an enhanced station would realise the full potential of the large brownfield York Central development site to the rear of the station.

Councillor Alexander said: "York is a railway city and such a strategic decision will see York continue being a railway city. This will encourage investment in the York Central development."