A train operator which runs services into Lincolnshire has been banned from competing for three rail franchises.

Image source, PA

Stagecoach, which is the current train operating company running as East Midlands Trains, has been banned by the government because of a row over pensions.

The transport group said the Department for Transport had told it that bids for the East Midlands, South Eastern and West Coast franchises were "non-compliant".

Dutch operator Abellio has been announced this morning as the successful replacement after bidding for the East Midlands Railway franchise.

New trains, smart ticketing and more frequent services for passengers are what's being offered, the government has announced.

Intercity trains will be replaced with £600m being spent on improvements, which could see hydrogen-fuelled trains run on the network.

Passengers will benefit from an 80% increase in the number of morning peak seats into Nottingham, Lincoln and St Pancras, a statement said.

Abellio will run the services from August 2019 until 2027.

Lincoln University has been named by the government as one of 12 locations in England for new "Institutes of Technology", intended to provide high-quality skills training.

Image source, Getty Images

The aim is to offer young people a vocational alternative to universities.

Employers will support the institutes, most of which will be based around existing colleges and universities.

The dozen include York College, four locations in London, and the other six in Dudley, Milton Keynes, Swindon, Durham, Exeter and Somerset.

Prime Minister Theresa May said they would "end outdated perceptions" that were biased against vocational skills.

But Labour said the plans were too small-scale and would not help the "overwhelming majority" of students in technical education.

Vocational training has often been seen as being underserved by the education system, with more status attached to young people taking an academic pathway, through GCSEs, A-levels and university.