THE STAGECOACH group, which operates buses across East Kent, has joined a Danish-led consortium bidding to run trains in the county.

DSB (Danish Railways) has announced that Stagecoach will be a minority partner in its bid for the so-called Integrated Kent Franchise

The franchise will cover domestic services on existing track in Kent and Medway, as well as new express services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link when it opens fully in 2007.

Ashford, Folkestone and Thanet will be among areas that will benefit from new faster trains introduced by the successful bidder.

DSB is one of four bidding groups approved by the Strategic Rail Authority, along with GNER, First Kent Integrated Railways and London South Eastern Railway.

Stagecoach will take a 29.9 per cent stake in South Eastern Railways, the company formed by DSB to lead the bid.

The group already runs South West Trains, the country's largest rail franchise, operating 1,700 services a day out of London Waterloo, and has a large minority stake in Virgin Rail. It also has transport interests in North America and New Zealand.

DSB believes that Stagecoach's knowledge and experience in the UK rail market will strengthen its bid.

DSB vice-president and chief financial officer Søren Eriksen said: "Stagecoach Group will provide valuable input during the bid process and operational phase and thus enhance our chances of submitting a successful bid.

He added that it was essential to find an investor who could provide experience and know-how.

Graham Eccles, Stagecoach's rail director, said: "Both Stagecoach and DSB share a commitment to putting passengers at the heart of our business, investing in new trains and focusing closely on delivering a first-class operating performance."

"We look forward to working together to develop a strong bid for the franchise."