Route connecting North East and Cumbria extended

Northern said the changes to the timetable were scheduled to start on 14 December

A train route is due to be extended to improve connections between the North East and Cumbria.

The service running between Carlisle and Newcastle will travel to Middlesbrough, stopping at Sunderland, Hartlepool, Stockton and Thornaby, more frequently.

The route currently only runs to Middlesbrough on Sundays but is due to be extended to weekdays.

It is part of timetable changes announced by operator Northern due to begin on 14 December, with the addition of some later trains and changes in frequency for some routes.

Northern said it would increase the number of services stopping at Brampton, Bardon Mill and Wetheral on the Carlisle to Newcastle route, while it would also introduce some semi-fast trains between Carlisle and Newcastle stopping at key stations only.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at the rail company, said the updated timetable took into account customer feedback.

He added: "The upcoming timetable changes reflect our focus on improving connectivity, strengthening reliability and offering more convenient services across the North of England."

Engineering works warning

Other changes include doubling the number of Sunday trains between Newcastle and Morpeth/Chathill.

A new late train will run from Newcastle to Ashington, extending to the Metrocentre on Sundays.

Trains between Newcastle and Middlesbrough will run every hour instead of every two.

Northern warned engineering works taking place over Christmas and New Year would affect some routes and timetables.

Mr Rice said: "I'd urge customers to check their journeys in advance as there will be some significant changes in place, and particularly during the December engineering period."