The proposed high-speed rail network must directly service Liverpool, an official in the city has insisted.

According to Robert Hough, chairman of Liverpool's Local Enterprise Partnership, the area risks losing out if it is not included on the HS2 network.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: "The connection to Liverpool is important to avoid polarisation and us not having a level playing field with other north-west cities."

The first phase of HS2 involves the creation of a high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham, while extensions to Leeds and Manchester are set to be up and running by 2033.

Mr Hough this week met with infrastructure minister Lord Deighton to put forward the case for Liverpool's inclusion on the network and said there is a "real possibility" of making it happen.

The government believes HS2 could be vital in boosting the UK's competitiveness, as it would provide an economic boost across the country and spread wealth to different regions.