The town's bid to become the new home of the nation's railways has been submitted by a hopeful Swindon Borough Council. 

The "first class bid" sees Swindon vying to beat out all other entries in the government's competition to find a new headquarters for Great British Railways outside London. 

The new HQ will become the single, accountable body responsible for running Britain's railways. 

Swindon’s rich railway heritage and its ambition for Great British Railways (GBR) to be at the centre of a world-leading rail cluster that will herald a new golden era for Britain’s railways - much like Brunel did 180 years ago- are important elements of the bid.

It has cross-party support and would bring significant investment and new jobs to the town.

All bids will be measured against six key criteria, including considering how GBR will align with levelling-up objectives, its location, opportunities for GBR and public support, and the best applications will be shortlisted in May.

Council leader David Renard said: “The railways are part of Swindon’s DNA and I believe there is no better place for the new Great British Railways to have its headquarters.

“Our town is steeped in our railway heritage and we tick so many of the boxes the Government is looking for in the successful bid. We will be keeping our fingers crossed our entry is shortlisted and, if we are, we will be going all out to secure as much support as we can from the public vote.

Labour group leader councillor Jim Grant said: “Swindon’s unique railway heritage makes it the ideal candidate for the Great British Railways HQ.

“The town can offer a central location to act as a hub for the railways in a way none of the other competing towns can. We have history, culture, location and the facilities to do it.

“Swindon has a winning combination and has the full support of the Swindon Labour group. This can be a win for the town, and I am proud to say everyone I have spoken to is behind the Council on this. Swindon is behind this.”

A short straw poll undertaken by the council over the weekend showed almost 1,000 people (95 per cent of respondents) were supportive of Swindon putting in a bid.

A number of local residents also submitted supportive comments in favour of the bid.

One wrote: “Because we are The Railway Town! Without the railway, there would be no Swindon. But it's not all about history. We also have a vibrant young workforce and great transport connections to the rest of the UK making us an ideal place for the new HQ.”