New direct rail services from Blackpool and Shrewsbury to London Euston have been approved by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

Virgin Trains will launch the new services in December as part of a £50 million package of improvements it has promised to deliver during a three-year extension to the current West Coast main line franchise.

Two new direct weekday services will be created between Shrewsbury and London Euston, calling at Telford Central, Wellington, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International, Coventry and Rugby.

A single weekday service will also run between Blackpool North and London, with stops at Kirkham & Wesham, Poulton le Flyde, Preston, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe and Nuneaton.

Virgin Trains lead executive Phil Whittingham said: “With our extended franchise we are able to get back to doing what we do best, offering new journey opportunities whilst still delivering the same high standards of service to our customers.

“We have worked hard with our industry partners to gain the approval for these new services. Special thanks must go to the ORR, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. We thank them all for this big vote of confidence.”