TECHNOLOGY pioneered by an Atherton scientist could be used to create a 300mph railway link between Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.
Professor Eric Laithwaite came up with the idea of using power of magnets instead of fuel to run trains nearly 60 years ago.
His ideas were dismissed until the 1990s when China began developing the Maglev railway, which opened in 2003 and runs from Shanghai to the airport at 267mph.
Now Prime Minister Tony Blair is said to be about to give approval for studies into a Maglev train system to be developed in the UK.
Rail industry leaders recently lobbied ministers about the idea, with the UK Ultraspeed project unveiling plans for a £16 billion scheme which could see passengers arriving in Birmingham in just 27 minutes.
Maglev trains are non pollutant and use the power of magnets instead of fuel to run at speeds of 311mph.
The trains levitate above guide rails and steered by electromagnetic cushions.
The possibility of a Maglev train coming to Manchester has delighted Leigh MP Andy Burnham, who has campaigned for Professor Laithwaite to be given an honour and sees non-fossil fuel transport as the way of the future.
Mr Burnham said: "It might be a major investment now but Britain could reap serious benefits from it."
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