The leaders of Birmingham, Sheffield and Trafford councils will all be part of the Government's HS2 growth taskforce, it has been announced.
Transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, confirmed the taskforce yesterday, which also includes the chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein.
The group has been set up to help maximise the economic benefits of HS2.

Sir Albert Bore, the leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Julie Dore, the leader of Sheffield City Council and Cllr Matthew Colledge, the leader of Trafford MBC, are also on the taskforce.
'Lord Deighton has pulled together an incredibly impressive group of people for this taskforce, all highly respected experts in their field,' said Mr McLoughlin.
'Their skills and experience will help ensure that we squeeze every possible benefit from this vital project.'