GNER is already spending cash on improving its fleet

The plans include refurbished toilets, improved security and CCTV equipment, and better car parking at all its key stations along the East Coast Main Line.

Stations included in the programme are Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Berwick, Peterborough, Grantham, Newark North Gate, Doncaster and Wakefield.

Christopher Garnett, GNER chief executive, said: "We have already committed �100m to increase train services, rebuild and re-engineer our trains and improve passenger information.

Customer information

"I'm sure the planned programme of customer service improvements at key stations along our route will be welcomed by our passengers."

Derek Langslow, chairman of the Rail Passenger Committee for eastern England, said: "Stations are part of the fabric of Britain's railway and the gateway to travel by rail.

"It is particularly pleasing that passengers will benefit from improved customer information and security at the stations managed by GNER."

The station improvements are due to be completed by January 2005.

The company is spending �30m to redesign and rebuild the interiors of all 302 carriages in its electric 225 train fleet.

The project is the largest of its kind in the UK and GNER's biggest single investment since starting services in 1996.

GNER operates 122 trains a day along the East Coast Main Line between Scotland, the north-east of England, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and London, carrying more than 14 million passengers a year.