Transport minister Grant Shapps has announced the official shortlist for where the headquarters of Great British Rail will be located.

The shortlist of six locations does not include Bolton or Horwich, after both submitted bids for the competition that is being run by the Government.

The confirmed list of shortlisted towns and cities is:

  • Birmingham
  • Crewe
  • Derby
  • Doncaster
  • Newcastle upon Tyne
  • York

The next phase of the competition will go forward to a consultative public vote to be held online and by post.

Leader of the Great British Railways transition team, Andrew Haines, said: "A big congratulations to Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York for reaching the final stage in the government’s competition to find the national HQ for Great British Railways.

"Since the competition was launched it has been great to see the interest from towns and cities across Britain who believe GBR’s home should be with them.

"I am really looking forward to the next step and seeing which town or city has the honour of being the home for GBR. Good luck to the final six."

A total 42 cities and towns came forward to place their bids to be the home of GBR HQ. Applications were measured against six key criteria:

  • Alignment to levelling up objectives
  • Aonnected and easy to get to
  • Opportunities for GBR
  • Railway heritage and links to the network
  • Value for money
  • Public support