Train operator Northern Spirit is to receive £4 million in Government money to buy 18 new carriages and help revive its flagging network.

The purchase follows comments from Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, that services would be disrupted in West Yorkshire for some time unless money was injected.

Councillor Mick Lyons, chairman of Metro, raised the issue with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and yesterday announced the decision.

He said: "The SRA has agreed to procure and fund 18 additional carriages for the Northern Spirit franchise as soon as reasonably practical at an estimated cost of around £2 million per annum. The Authority has made clear to the SRA that the additional vehicles must be drafted in at the very earliest opportunity in order that services can be restored to their full level as soon as possible."

Last month, Northern Spirit unveiled the first of 16 new trains, costing £60 million. This came as the Wharfedale Rail Users' Group claimed commuters could not be expected to put up with old trains that were "falling to bits".

Northern Spirit said the new trains would mean the end of slamming doors, cramped conditions and problems for the disabled. Improvements on the new trains include air conditioning and disabled facilities.

Metro is still working on other bids for SRA funding to buy more rolling stock to cope with an anticipated growth in passengers and cater for five new stations.