The government has announced the companies that have been shortlisted to run the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises.

All of the firms have passed the pre-qualification stage and will be asked to develop their plans before the government issues its invitation to tender in December.

Abellio Northern, Arriva Rail North and Govia Northern have all been shortlisted for the Northern franchise, while Keolis Go-Ahead, First Trans Pennine Express and Stagecoach Trans Pennine Express Trains have made the TransPennine Express list.

When developing their proposals, the companies will have to demonstrate how they will be able to make the most of the government's £1 billion investment programme for the rail network in the north of England.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: "The north is undergoing a real rail renaissance, and we will be asking these companies to come up with innovative and ambitious proposals that will ensure a truly world-class rail network for the region."