VIRGIN Trains has lost the contest to carry on running its Cross Country trains.

Sir Richard Branson's company was beaten to the franchise by the Arriva Group, which will take over on November 11.

The new Cross Country franchise, which will run until April 2016, will include services that link Dorset with the Midlands and Manchester.

Virgin has run a 1,600-mile network of Cross Country services since January 1997.

The government has said the new operator will provide increased capacity, better performance and improved customer service.

Arriva, which already operates in Wales, will receive a £1.05 billion subsidy during its franchise.

What do you think of the decision not to award the franchise to Virgin? What is your experience of its services? Leave a message below or email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk