FIRM plans for six new daily direct return rail services between Bradford and London have been unveiled to local business leaders.

David Horne, managing director of Virgin Trains East Coast, said the company’s £4 billion investment in expanding its train fleet by 50 per cent will enable it to run extra services between Bradford Forster Square and London Kings Cross from 2018.

This compares with one daily return Virgin service at present.

The 65 new Azuma trains currently being built in the UK, will travel at speeds of up to 140 mph ensuring travel time between Bradford and London is under two and a half hours.

David Horne told guests at Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s annual lunch that the new services would provide a major boost to connectivity and help boost Bradford’s economy through increasing convenience for business travellers at potentially lower fares.

Virgin expects to recruit up to 200 extra staff , including an as yet unspecified number in Yorkshire to provide train crews providing opportunities for local people.

Mr Horne said: “These are firm plans to provide direct services between Bradford and London every two hours of so.

“As well as much needed improved connectivity, it will support the continued economic growth of Bradford.

“People are increasingly looking for alternatives to congested car travel and regular direct rail links are what is needed.