A LANDMARK new rail service linking Cardiff and Edinburgh will make a stop in Worcestershire.

The new service will be the first direct journey between the capitals of Wales and Scotland by rail, covering 455 miles and stopping at 22 stations along the way, including Worcestershire Parkway.

The station, located around five miles from the city centre, opened in 2020 and has become a regular stop for trains from London, Birmingham, Bristol and Worcester.

Scott Maynard, CrossCountry's interim managing director, said: "We are delighted to introduce this new service joining Cardiff and Edinburgh directly for the very first time, meaning even more connections for customers across the length and breadth of the country.

"Thanks to colleagues across CrossCountry and the wider rail industry for their support in delivering these new services linking two of Great Britain's capital cities, as well as many other key towns and cities in between."

Read more: Warndon Villages to get new Beryl Bike bay

Read more: Less than a quarter of Worcestershire Parkway trains on time

Heading north, the service will be formed of trains from Cardiff and Penzance which will be joined together at Birmingham New Street.

On the Southbound journey, the train will reach Gloucester before splitting, with one section of the train heading to Cardiff and the other half terminating in Plymouth.

The service between the two cities will launch on Sunday, December 15.