The UK Government is planning the "biggest programme of rail improvements since the Victorian age", it has announced.

Up to 10,000 new houses and thousands of jobs could be built across England as part of a railway development scheme.

The Government launched the regeneration project following the transformation of Birmingham New Street, Manchester Victoria and London's King's Cross.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "This will help deliver thousands of new homes and jobs and deliver a substantial return to the taxpayer".

Local councils across the country are being called on by the Government to take part in the scheme.

York, Taunton and Swindon councils have already identified railway sites that could be used to deliver housing and other regeneration.