Direct rail connection from Llandudno to London planned

Plans for a new direct train service between north Wales and London have been announced.

First Trenitalia, the new operator of the West Coast mainline, also intends to introduce a new fleet of trains between Holyhead and Wrexham.

The operator says this will reduce CO2 emissions by 61%.

First Trenitalia says the new direct service between Llandudno and London is expected to run in the summer months from May 2021.

The UK government said it "reflects a significant move away from the previous flawed franchising system".

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: "This partnership is great news for people in north Wales - delivering better cross-border connectivity on new, more comfortable trains."

First Trenitalia replaces Virgin Trains, which was barred from bidding to keep the route.