Seeing the title, I did wonder at first why Virgin were employing feral canines on their trains...
(I have overheard the briefest of conversations which did indeed seem to confirm that this was quite a bit popular, with a fairly impressive geographical spread of people willing to move to go there.)
Good luck mate! I wasn't holding my breath at getting anywhere, I'm a sub 2 year driver on a suburban London TOC, 10 a penny I bet!
I agree with Red2005, I'm based at New Cross Gate on London Overground and you're more likely to be risk aware and honed your defenisive driving skills working suburban routes. Working these routes for years with a slim or empty Safety of Line record works wonders when applying. I can think of 7 drivers from my depot off the top of my head who have moved on to high speed / intercity work in the last couple of years. These TOCs do look upon us favourably, however sometimes it comes down to there being another applicant who already has the route knowledge from driving over the same lines. You have to be in it to win it!