Arriva fares will rise between 4.1% and 5.1% from January

The Wearside-based company plans to increase fares by up to 5.1% in the New Year - the second highest rise in the country after Silverlink, which runs services in the south and midlands.

ATN, which operates in the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, says the increases are in line with the rest of the rail industry.

But rail passenger groups say the move could hit leisure travellers as off-peak and special rate fares will see the biggest rise.

Peter Robinson of the North West Rail Passenger Committee, said: "We are very concerned that this is happening at this time.

"Particularly at a time when the levels of performance on the railways are extremely poor.

It is particularly unfortunate that train operators have decided to increase fares at a time when performance is extremely poor Peter Robinson, Rail Passenger Committee

"These rises do not appear to do much to encourage leisure users to use the trains.

Dyan Crowther, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "Within the rail industry, all train operators generally review their fares at this time of year.

"We believe the increases are in line with the rest of the rail industry and reflect the changes to the regulated fares policy announcement by the Strategic Rail Authority in July 2003.

"They will ensure that extra money is raised for the SRA to fund its continuing modernisation programme for Britain's railways."