The Department for Transport has officially confirmed the members of its High Speed 2 (HS2) Growth Taskforce.

Featuring names such as chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein and chair of London and Continental Railways Lorraine Baldry, the group has been set up to maximise the benefits of the controversial railway.

Commercial secretary to the Treasury Lord Deighton is also on the list and he feels he has put together a highly-skilled team capable of making the most of HS2.

"I am confident that together we have the right blend of experience and expertise to make sure HS2 delivers its full potential in terms of jobs and growth," he commented.

Meanwhile, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the line has the potential to catalyse city centre regeneration and major development schemes.

Details of the new taskforce have emerged just days after the government successfully fended off several court cases against the the HS2 project.