Place North West is reporting that the much-hated Pacer trains still running on many local lines are finally to be replaced, starting in 2018.

In total there will be 281 new carriages with the first of the new trains delivered by October 2018. The deal will be financed by Eversholt Rail Group.

Arriva promises the new 100mph trains will include air conditioning, audio and visual on-board passenger information systems, power sockets and tables, cycle racks, toilets, digital CCTV systems, and free wifi for passengers.

Some long-overdue good news!