Hitachi unveil train in Newton Aycliffe.
The first UK-built Intercity Express (IEP) train has been unveiled today.
Hitachi have showcased the train at its factory in Newton Aycliffe.
It is one of 122 express trains which are part of the Government-funded #5.7 billion IEP programme designed to boost capacity, reliability and comfort for passengers.
They are due to begin operating on the Great Western main line from next summer and the East Coast main line from 2018.
All the trains are set to be in service by 2020. The first Class 800 train was built at Hitachi's Kasado works in Japan, but the majority of the 866-carriage fleet will be manufactured in the UK.
A total of 110 IEP trains will be built in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
They are capable of running at 140mph, although will be limited to 125mph unless rail tracks are upgraded.
Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said:
"The new trains will provide a step-change in passenger experience across the Great Western network, and will result in more frequent and faster journeys, and an increase in the number of seats available.''
Karen Boswell, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe, commented:
"Today is a celebration of the return of train manufacturing to the North East, supporting thousands of jobs and developing a strong engineering skills base in the region. Trains running across the country's rail network will be built by a proud workforce harnessing the best of Hitachi's long standing rail expertise. The company that built the world famous bullet trains is now building the next generation of UK trains, which will deliver a step-change in intercity travel, offering more capacity, greater comfort and a lower carbon footprint.''