Stagecoach has been disqualified from UK rail franchise competitions East Midlands Trains, South Eastern and West Coast by the Department for Transport.

As of today (Wednesday), East Midlands Trains will no longer be operated by Stagecoach.

Stagecoach has been disqualified from three UK rail franchise competitions by the Department for Transport, which also include South Eastern and West Coast franchises.

The East Midlands franchise, which operates eastbound services running between Leicester and Lincoln - stopping in Newark - will now be operated by Dutch-owned Abellio from August this year until 2027.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "Improving the experience for passengers is at the heart of this new franchise. Abellio will deliver state-of-the-art new trains, upgraded ticketing systems and improvements to stations.

"Through zero-carbon pilot schemes, trialling hydrogen fuel cell trains and delivering more seats on modern, spacious trains, the new franchise will also play a major role in building a railway fit for the future."