TRAIN bosses say that services in the North West are amongst the best in the country.

First North Western Trains has achieved target figures for reliability and punctuality in the past 12 months.

Paul Bunting, commercial director of the widely criticised company, said: "In the past 12 months, to January 2000, punctuality has averaged 93 per cent, surpassing the company's target of 90 per cent. Reliability has also exceeded targets of 90 per cent, now standing at 99.2 per cent."

Managing director David Franks added: "We are delighted that First North Western is providing a service which is one of the most punctual and reliable in the country and we look forward to improving performance even further."

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