Keighley's first direct rail link to London will be launched next month.

The service will run to Kings Cross each weekday morning, from September 28, with an evening return journey.

The news was welcomed yesterday by Keighley Business Forum, which has campaigned for the link for over two years.

Director Iain Copping told us: "We are absolutely delighted. This is great news for local businesses, tourism and individuals.

"Ever since the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) bought the franchise, we have worked very closely with them to bring about the introduction of this service. It will provide a huge boost to the area."

His comments are echoed by Graham Mitchell, chairman of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and project officer with the Business Forum. He says: "This has been long awaited and will bring huge benefits. GNER itself is placing great importance on the project and two officers will be visiting Keighley to discuss details of the launch."

The service, provided by one of GNER's newly-refurbished high-speed diesel trains, will leave Skipton at 6.54am calling at Keighley at 7.05am and Shipley at 7.14am. It will arrive in London at 9.47am.

Heading northbound the train will leave Kings Cross at 5.50pm to arrive in Keighley at 8.39pm and Skipton at 8.52pm.

Christopher Garnett, GNER's chief executive, says: "Business and tourism leaders have been pressing us for some time to run a service linking Skipton and Keighley with London. We aim to meet these aspirations."

The planned service will enable passengers to make the journey to and from Kings Cross without changing trains. Currently an all-train journey from Keighley to London involves a change at Leeds or Bradford.

Fares for leisure travel from Keighley to London start at £31 for an Apex return booked at least seven days in advance.

Tickets can be purchased at stations, appointed travel agents and from GNER telesales on 0345 225 225.

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