A LEADING train operator has reintroduced a number of services after safety issues arose last week.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has returned some of its Hitachi Class 800 trains, known as its Azuma fleet, to the network today, after precautionary checks were completed.

Many of the trains were removed from service last week for safety checks after cracks were discovered in the railed vehicles. 

But Hitachi, train operators and the Government, with oversight from the rail regulator, have since agreed and implemented a service recovery plan for the safe reintroduction of the Class 800 trains.

This will help get more passengers moving on the rail network and LNER expects to operate a robust weekday timetable from today.

The firm's services north of Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Inverness resumed over the weekend, after the successful completion of further safety checks.

Weekday and Saturday services to and from Lincoln have also been reintroduced.

An amended timetable is in place until early next month while Network Rail continues to deliver East Coast Upgrade works at London King’s Cross station.

David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “I would like to thank our customers for their understanding over the past week and I am pleased we have since been able to step up our services.

"We continue to work together as an industry on the recovery plan for any affected trains, with all trains being checked before they leave the depot. Safety remains our top priority.”

LNER calls at 53 stations along the East Coast route, totalling 936 miles, including major towns and cities between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland.

All LNER services are reservation only, to enable customers to travel with confidence.

Cleaning has also been enhanced onboard trains and in stations.

Customers must wear face coverings while travelling on the trains, unless they are exempt.