RAIL boss Christopher Garnett was yesterday signalling the start of a new era for the East Coast main line.

GNER's franchise on the route, linking London, Yorkshire, the North-East and Scotland, began yesterday.

And chief executive Mr Garnett pledged to build a world-class railway over the next ten years.

"We are proud to be starting out on a new journey," he said.

"We've received marvellous support from passengers throughout the route, and the renewed hard work begins today to repay the faith shown in us."

To mark the franchise, 40,000 commemorative boxes of chocolates will be distributed tomorrow to passengers and staff.