The Association of North East Councils, which represents all the region's authorities, has backed Grand Central Railways and its bid to start four services a day both ways between Sunderland and London.

The Echo is also supporting the bid through its Back on Track campaign.

The managing director of York-based Grand Central, Ian Yeowart, says he is "delighted" with the support of such a powerful organisation.

If he gets permission from the Government he wants to start the services in December.

They would run from Sunderland, stopping at Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York before continuing non-stop to London.

The association is a representative body for the region's 25 local councils, from Berwick to the Tees Valley, including Sunderland, Easington, Durham County and Durham City councils.

It has written to the Government's Office of Rail Regulation, which will make the final decision on whether to allow Grand Central's trains to run, to voice its support for Grand Central.

Melanie Laws, director of the association, said: "We are united behind the case for Sunderland having its own direct rail service to London and the Echo's campaign backing it.

"The financial and social benefits of this service, as well as the greater connections to the East Coast Main Line, cannot be overstated for Sunderland and the other communities that this proposal would serve.

"For Sunderland, such a rail connection could have a vital role to play in continuing its tourism development and economic regeneration.

"Furthermore, it could help to further build on Sunderland's rising national profile, as epitomised in the events of the past week when it has recorded the quickest ever election count, staged the Radio One Big Weekend and seen its football team crowned champions of the Championship."

Mr Yeowart said: "We're delighted to get such widespread support from across the North East.

"I think people have recognised that railways should serve a wider number of people than the existing routes go to.

"Many of these councillors will serve areas that already have a good train service yet they clearly recognise that another large city needs to be similarly well-served.

"We're just so pleased to have this cross-party support. The more support we get, the better."

Mr Yeowart expects to find out whether he has permission to run the services by July.

He is also trying to start London services to Bradford in West Yorkshire, and has announced his trains will serve Pontefract if he wins permission for that route.

* You can still lend your support to Grand Central through petition forms at all Echo offices and various newsagents' shops across Wearside.