NEW plans have been unveiled for a rail renaissance in the Tees Valley.

A document launched on Tuesday at the North Road railway museum in Darlington will be used to prepare funding bids for rail improvements throughout the area.

It draws together an ambitious range of proposals.

But even as the new ideas were being launched, there was a warning that government cash would be needed to take the scheme forward.

Tees Valley joint strategy unit chairman Coun David Walsh said the new plans were a blueprint for the renaissance of rail - "providing our area with a high quality modern rail service which is vital to improving our environment and regenerating our economy".

The vision for development of passenger services has been drawn up by a study group involving local authorities, Railtrack and regional rail operator Northern Spirit.

Proposals include:

l A new hourly Tees-Tyne Express from Middlesbrough to Newcastle using the existing freight-only line between Norton and Ferryhill.

l A Durham Coast Express service using the existing line between Newcastle and Middlesbrough and continuing as far as York.

l An hourly all-stops service between Darlington and Saltburn, boosting services to Teesside airport and coupling with an express service.

l Better services between Hartlepool and Teesside.

l Improvements in services between Yarm, Middlesbrough and Nunthorpe, and plans for a new station at South Cleveland hospital.

l Longer-term targets, including a new crossing of the Tees and reinstatement of the rail link between Nunthorpe and Guisborough, with a possible extension to Skelton.

Coun Walsh said: "This area has played an enormous role in the development of rail transport and what we now must do is create a new renaissance of rail.

"The blueprint is a very important step forward in achieving the kind of rail services the Tees valley needs for the new century.

"The plan is ambitious but we think it is achievable, providing the government is prepared to back its strong statements of support for improving public transport services with hard cash."