A SOUTH Essex train service is expected to be sold off to an Italian rail company.

It was announced this morning that an agreement has been drawn up for the sale of c2c to Trenitalia, the passenger rail transportation company part of FS Italiane Group.

The company is expected to pay £70 million for the rail service.

Julian Drury, c2c Managing Director, said: “Trenitalia have reached an in principle agreement with National Express Group to acquire the c2c franchise, subject to final approval from the Department for Transport.

“While this change won’t affect day-to-day services, Trenitalia have told us how excited they are to serve the people of South Essex and East London, and that they are looking to build on our existing plans for improving the future service for c2c passengers.”