THE battle for control of Britain's biggest power station heated up yesterday after generator International Power raised its offer for the debt-laden Drax plant.

Formerly known as National Power, International Power had already offered about £80m to buy a stake in Drax, take on part of its debts and manage the plant, only to see its bid trumped by rival Goldman Sachs.

International Power has now raised the stakes by offering 65p in the pound for part of Drax's debt and 55p for another piece - bringing the total value of the offer to £130m.

Drax was handed to independent managers by American owner AES after its biggest customer, electricity supplier TXU Europe, collapsed owing £50m.