Virgin Trains is to run new direct services from Blackpool and Shrewsbury to London Euston after plans were approved by the Office of Rail Regulation.

Two services will run from Shrewsbury on weekdays, departing at 06:39 and 15:24 and arriving at London Euston at 09:15 and 17:56. Return services to Shropshire are to leave Euston at 10:23 and 18:23, arriving in Shrewsbury at 12:58 and 20:55 respectively.

The new daily service from Blackpool North to London Euston will depart at 05:25, arriving in London Euston at 08:34. The return is to leave at 16:33 and arrive back in Blackpool at 19:31.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Direct trains between London and Blackpool and Shrewsbury will be a valuable addition to the services that already connect both towns to the rest of the rail network."

The Shrewsbury service is to begin on Sunday December 14th, 2014, with the Blackpool operation starting 24 hours later on Monday December 15th, 2014.