Britain's fastest train company GNER is cutting the cost of travel for thousands of passengers travelling between the North-East and London.

Standard class return fares are now available from only £25 from Edinburgh to London.

Tickets between Newcastle and London start at £20 return and travel from York and Leeds costs £19.

GNER is offering over 20,000 seats a week at low prices for travel on its less busy trains.

The off-peak fares are available for travel every day, between all GNER-served stations, all-year round. Tickets must be purchased at least seven days ahead

and are aimed at leisure travellers or anyone who does not have to travel at peak time.

Sabine Sharman, GNER senior product manager, said: "These permanent new fares are aimed at attracting new passengers to rail and persuading existing customers to travel more often to London and some of Britain's most popular city destinations."

Passengers heading for London, before the end of January 2004, can take advantage of "two for the price of one" offers at 27 attractions in London, including Madame Tussauds, The Tower of London, London Aquarium, The London Dungeon and London Zoo.

Thistle Hotels are also offering 2 for 1 deals at 24 hotels in London.

* Information on 2 for 1 offers in London is available on-line at www.londontrainsoffers.co.uk.