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A super-fast train from Bristol to London made history yesterday after reaching the capital in a record-breaking 71 minutes.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) train from Temple Meads to Paddington was the quickest on the line since 1976, when speed limits were introduced.

The non-stop train travelled at 125mph to the capital, switching from diesel to the electric line at Bristol Parkway.

The journey was made in the run-up to GWR’s timetable change happening in December .

Passengers on board included figures from Bristol's business community as well as West of England metro mayor Tim Bowles.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood held a Q&A on board the train with Bristol Post editor-in-chief Mike Norton.

(Image: Bristol Post)

He said: "This year sees a massive change to our network - the biggest since 1976. We are looking to achieve a number of things.

"One is to add capacity, we also want to reduce journey times where that's possible, and add frequency and run more services. Bristol in particular benefits in all those respects."

Gary Abbott, operations manager for Network Rail , was also on board.

In response to questions about why train speeds are capped in the UK bu not other neighbouring countries, he said: "Our tracks are multi-use. Passengers in other countries don't share the line with vehicles hauling stone from the Mendips.

"We are operating a modern service on a Victorian railway system. Developments like HS2 are not all about speed they're about coping with capacity."

(Image: Bristol Post)

The changes to the timetable on December 15 includes a non-stop train from Bristol Parkway station to London Paddington that takes 68 minutes.

There will also be three extra trains between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington in the morning and evenings (three an hour rather than two).

And the journey between the capital and Temple Meads will be cut to one hour 19 minutes - 17 minutes faster than now.