GB Railways

Anglia Railways runs services from London Liverpool Street to Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich Hull Trains runs a direct service from London to Hull via Grantham, Retford, Doncaster, Selby and Brough

"In very recent weeks we've seen record levels of turnover, not as high as one would have expected if the trend had continued from a year ago, but nevertheless real evidence that business and leisure travellers are returning to the railways."

Mr Long said it was vital that investment in the rail network continued as quickly as possible, but warned it could be hit by Railtrack's current problems.

"There is an enormous amount of maintenance and renewal work that has to go on in the network."

"The most important thing for all of us rail operators is to know that that is being done, to the highest quality and to the highest extent, and there must be some doubt hanging over that now with the pressure and the problems that Railtrack faces."

Break-even hopes

GB said its main Anglia Railways business had seen no growth in passenger income over the same period last year because of the Hatfield aftermath.

But there was better news from Hull Trains - 80% owned by GB Railways - which is expected to break-even next year.

In October the company had said it was in preliminary talks about a possible takeover or investment in the company.

In its results statement, GB said these talks were continuing, but gave no further clues as to who they were with, or the likely outcome.