More than 200 volunteers have been testing out the first half of the new-look concourse at Birmingham New Street railway station.

Leaders at Network Rail confirmed that a range of commuters, including blind, partially-sighted and disabled people, took part in the trial to see if the facility is fit for purpose.

It was also an important exercise for station staff and Network Rail chiefs, who need to familiarise themselves with the complex before the first section of it is opened to the public on April 28th.

Mark Bennett, project manager for Network Rail, said it was an "incredibly worthwhile" trial run.

"It's been great to invite people in to show what we've been working on since 2010," he remarked.

Around £600 million has been spent on upgrading the Midlands transport hub and the entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2015.

As well as improving access points, the work will also see major changes made to the Pallasades shopping centre.