AN inquiry into rail services in the North of England has been welcomed by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the Commons Transport Sub-Committee, will investigate the performance of rail services, consider the Strategic Rail Authority's approach to franchising, and the North's rail investment needs.

Authority chairman Cllr Roger Jones said: "As part of the refranchising work being undertaken by the SRA in the region, the authority is outlining very clearly the services we expect prospective franchisees to deliver.

"We shall now take full use of this opportunity to update the Committee on the regional picture."