East Coast announces more rail services for North East

Rail operator East Coast is planning to run more services between Northumberland and London Kings Cross.

There will be an extra early train leaving Berwick before 0600 and an additional weekday service leaving Kings Cross at 1930 each day.

East Coast said the changes were being made due to customer feedback.

The timetable, which is being put together by Network Rail, is still being developed and is due to be introduced on 22 May 2011.

The proposed new service from Berwick Upon Tweed departing at 05.59 will call at Alnmouth, Morpeth, Newcastle and non-stop to London arriving at 09.59.

For the first time it allows commuters to arrive in London before 1000 from Alnmouth and Morpeth without the use of an overnight sleeper.

The 0559 will also connect with the four-hour Flying Scotsman at Newcastle, departing 0704, allowing commuters to arrive in London 0940.

The proposed new service to depart King's Cross at 1930 for Alnmouth, will arrive at 2312. Currently the last train from King's Cross to Alnmouth and Berwick is at 1800.

Alnmouth will benefit from more long distance trains and with a better frequency.

East Coast spokesman Neal Smith said: "We are proposing these changes because we recognise they can make a really positive difference to people in Northumberland and the North East.

"The new timetable will help deliver more than two million extra seats per year and faster, more frequent service on East Coast."