Ambitious plans to speed up journeys from Norwich and Ipswich to London are one step closer after Greater Anglia unveiled a model of its future trains.

Norwich Evening News: The Stadler FLIRT train which will replace Greater Anglia's current stock by the end of 2020. Picture: GREATER ANGLIAThe Stadler FLIRT train which will replace Greater Anglia's current stock by the end of 2020. Picture: GREATER ANGLIA (Image: GREATER ANGLIA)

The rail giant is investing £1.4bn in 1,043 new carriages which will replace its current 30-year-old fleet towards the end of 2020.

A model of the Stadler FLIRT train was on show at Greater Anglia's Norwich depot today.

As well as including more seats, state-of-the art air conditioning, wi-fi, USB and plug points, the carriages will be able to operate a 90-minute service from Norwich to London and a 60-minute service from Ipswich to London.

The new trains will also allow for quicker and increased services across the Greater Anglia network and quicker recovery from line disruptions.

Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia, said: 'Ultimately it will bring about a complete transformation of the train service in East Anglia.

'It is going to transform the travelling environment.'

But despite a promise in punctuality, reliability and carriage quality, Mr Denby said the train fares would not be affected and passengers would get much better 'value for money' through the new transport.

He added: 'This will make East Anglia a far more attractive place to live. It will be good for the economy.'

The rail chief said the changes would bring about a boost to businesses who were more likely to relocate to an area with improved transport links.

Better services and trains will also benefit the tourist industry.

Mr Denby added the fleet and timetable changes would allow the Norwich in 90 service to London to run twice a day towards the end of 2020.

The new longer carriages will also be used for direct journeys from Norwich to London Stanstead Airport.

Mike Kean, Greater Anglia deputy managing director, said: 'It is about bringing Norwich and Ipswich closer to London.'

Mr Kean said Greater Anglia was committed to improving punctuality and the new carriages would be 'as modern as they come'.

Currently nine out of 10 of its fleet arrive at its various destinations on time but he added the company wanted to increase that to so more than 93pc of its carriages were on time.