The city was selected to be the location of the new GBR headquarters, beating off rival bids from Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

It also scored highest in the six-week public vote, attracting 45,600 votes, more than 5,000 ahead of the second placed location in a total vote of 205,000.

Significant support for the bid came from the rail sector itself – including the likes of Alstom, Costain, Resonate, Sperry, Loram, Train FX and East Midlands Railway – plus Derby College and rail innovation orientated universities of Derby, Loughborough and Nottingham.

The exact location of the headquarters in Derby is yet to be confirmed. GBR aims to deliver the most ambitious changes to our railways in a generation, working with the Government and across the rail sector – ‘creating a better, simpler railway for everyone in Britain’.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “It’s full steam ahead for the reform of our railways and today’s announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country.

“Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network.”