GERMAN and Danish railways are in the running to take over the Flying Scotsman rail route -one of the most prestigious in the country -it emerged last night.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced the shortlist for the East Coast Main Line yesterday and the four companies will now submit detailed bids.

State-run German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Danish national railway group DSB are among the four. Current operator GNER and Great Western franchisee First Group were also selected.

The SRA expects to announce a preferred bidder in the winter, with the successful company running passenger services on the line from May 1 next year.

GNER is spending £100m on new trains, bigger car parks and modernising stations on the line. Its chief executive, Christopher Garnett, said: "We look forward to seeing the SRA's specification and to submitting a winning bid.

"There is a lot of good work to build on and much more to do. Our goal is to continue to be the best rail operator in Britain.

"We look forward to serving our passengers and communities on this flagship route for many years to come and to keep raising standards on their behalf."

DSB is bidding for the franchise on its own, while DB has teamed up with Stagecoach and Virgin, which run four UK rail franchises.

The contract will last seven years, with a three-year extension subject to performance.