THE new operator of one of the North-East's busiest rail routes has unveiled a raft of improvements to stations across the region.

FGK, a consortium of First Group and Keolis, intends to spend millions of pounds revamping some of the most run-down stations on the TransPennine Express route.

It will take over TransPennine from present operator Arriva Trains Northern in February.

The new company is planning improvements to stations including Middlesbrough, Yarm and Thornaby, on Teesside, and Scarborough and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire. The work is expected to be completed by summer 2007.

FGK spokesman Robin Etherington said: "In the main, the investment we are planning to make, totalling £10m for the 30 stations to be managed by the franchise, is designed to improve information, passenger comfort, safety and security.

"All stations will be repainted and real-time information will be provided."

Nineteen closed-circuit television cameras, will be installed at Middlesbrough station, as well as a buffet kiosk, lighting and automated ticket machines.

Other improvements will include refurbishing the lavatories and two new help points for passengers, and revamping the waiting room, which will be given upgraded heating and stone restoration work. The subway will also be refloored.

Fourteen CCTV cameras will be installed at Northallerton, where other work will include refurbishing the lavatories, installing platform seats and upgrading the subway.

Thornaby will be given eight CCTV cameras, two help points and a platform shelter, while similar improvements will be carried out at Yarm, where access ramps for disabled people and the station's concrete steps will be repaired.

Some of FGK's biggest plans are reserved for Scarborough, where the ageing clock tower will be repaired and a larger waiting area will be created. Twenty three CCTV cameras will be installed, as well as help points and platform monitors.

Meanwhile, FGK has also released the first pictures of the £250m Desiro train fleet that will enter service in summer 2005.

The 56 trains, which can travel at up to 100mph, will reduce journey times by up to ten minutes.

However, they have already been criticised by passenger groups who say they do not have the capacity to ease congestion at peak periods