TRAIN operator Greater Anglia looks set to have its franchise extended by more than two years.

Under Government plans to restructure the franchise system, the company will run rail services in the region until October 2016.

Greater Anglia currently has the contract until July next year at the latest, but will get the 27 month extension if talks are successful.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: "We welcome today's announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) on rail franchising. Although it is too early to comment on the implications, we are now engaged in discussions with the DfT over opportunities to improve services as part of the franchise extension programme."