Direct rail link to capital back after 30 years

The new service offers three direct Intercity style services a day between Halifax and London King's Cross, with a fastest journey time of just two hours 58 minutes.

The former British Rail service from Halifax to London, which ended in May 1978, took four hours and 22 minutes to complete the journey.

Trains run tomorrow at 8.06am, 12.22pm and 3.46pm. Services will depart Halifax at the following times on weekdays: 7.08am (arr 10.06am), 10.38am (arr 1.46pm) and 3.36pm (arr 6.46pm)

Return services will depart King's Cross at 10.50am (arr 1.41pm), 2.20pm (arr 5.24pm) and 7.48pm (arr 10.58pm.)

Grand Central has recruited 30 Bradford-based members of staff in roles ranging from train driver to customer service assistant and support staff to operate the new service, most of whom have been recruited from along the new West Riding route.

Coun Ian Cooper, Calderdale Council's Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "The communities we serve have waited a long time for a direct link to the capital. We hope it will bring investment and visitors into the borough, as well as taking pressure off the road network."