A £1.2 billion railway upgrade in Yorkshire could result in slower services if better trains are not purchased.

Sheffield MP Clive Betts wants the government to acquire new rolling stock which can cope with the electrified railway, the Yorkshire Post reports.

He argues the current trains on the East Coast line, which will be used until at least 2019, are unsuitable as they have to slow down for bends/corners.

Mr Betts told the paper: "The line needs the new inter-city express train and not the transfer of old rolling stock from the East Coast line, which would be slower and would increase journey times."

The plans, announced last year, aim to link south Yorkshire and the southern coast with electrified rail between 2015 and 2020. This will form a large route or 'spine' running up the east of the UK.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said a final decision had been reached and the body is developing plans to introduce new electric trains on the route.