Second platform opens at station after 40 years

A second platform at Newquay station was last used in October 1987

A second platform has opened at a Cornish railway station for the first time in nearly 40 years as part of a £50m infrastructure project.

Newquay station has only had one platform in use since October 1987, when a signal box closed.

However, Network Rail said digital signalling - which replaced the previous "token system" - had allowed trains to return to the second line.

Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail's industry programme director, said the completion of the work "paves the way for a huge increase in journeys to Newquay".

Mr Lupu said: "This is fantastic news for passengers in Cornwall.

"We're sorry for the disruption while the work took place but its legacy will provide a boost to the local economy and the environment."

Network Rail said the work also prepared the railway for the introduction of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

It said an hourly train between Newquay and Par will begin next year, more than doubling the current service.

A direct link from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro will follow.