The Sunderland Echo is putting its weight behind a bid to win a direct rail service to London.

The paper believes getting a national rail service – which could also run through Seaham and Hartlepool – would boost the city's fortunes.

It launched its Back on Track campaign to coincide with York-based Grand Central Trains' application to the Government to run four trains each way per day.

A petition form published in the paper is already proving a success, with Wearsiders and readers from further away supporting the idea.

People living in South Tyneside, the Midlands and Home Counties have all sent their details back to pass on in a petition.

More than 1,000 responses have been sent in to the paper so far. More forms are being placed at news agents, district newspaper offices and stations for the local operator Nexus.

Reporter Simon Marks, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: "Every day we're getting more and more petition forms in. The fact is, we're a major city and people are demanding a direct line to London.

"I made the trip for a series of articles last week and you currently have to travel via a local service to Newcastle to join the main line."

Editor Rob Lawson told readers: "We've had an excellent response so far and we want you, our readers, to carry on with that.

"The more of you that sign, the more likely it will be that Wearside will get the rail services it truly deserves."

Ian Yeowart, managing director of Grand Central Trains, said: "We're all absolutely delighted people have taken the time to respond to this.

"Sometimes you have to fight for what you believe in and we genuinely believe in what we're doing."