East Coast Rail's customer service boss quits after just six months

Jo North, who also held the title of deputy managing director, resigned to start her own business, said a spokesman for the operator.

Her appointment in March came with great fanfare, with the operator describing her as "a strong personality in the rail industry" who would "play a major part in shaping our future over the coming months".

Ms North had been scheduled to make the announcement regarding on-board catering earlier this month but this has now been postponed. East Coast said it had appointed Ann Edgar as interim customer services director.

Last week, the company also confirmed the departure of operations director Mike Hogg, who has been replaced by Danny Williams.