Demand has been so great that Hitachi bosses have scheduled in an extra afternoon session on May 26.

Contractors and suppliers will be told about work opportunities during construction of Hitachi’s 450,000sq ft factory at Amazon Park in County Durham which will manufacture the UK’s next generation of passenger trains.

Hitachi said: “The aim of the event is to provide companies and organisations with information about the project, covering  construction of the facility, the fit-out phase and the manufacture of Hitachi’s new generation of passenger trains.

“Over 700 delegates have already registered, and consequently to meet demand the event has now been extended to incorporate an afternoon session.”

For more information and to register visit  http://www.hitachirailproject.co.uk/