Castleford to York direct trains to run on route again after 50 years

The new service will run four times a day in each direction

Direct train services between Castleford and York are due to restart after the route closed 50 years ago.

TransPennine Express (TPE) has also launched a direct route between Wakefield and Manchester for the first time since 2004.

Normanton will also have direct services to both Manchester and York.

Chris Jackson, managing director of TPE, said the new service would help to "boost connectivity across West Yorkshire".

From Monday the second platform at Castleford Station is expected to reopen.

A new train service would run four times a day in each direction between Manchester Piccadilly and York, stopping at Huddersfield, Wakefield Kirkgate and Castleford.

There would also be one additional service a day in each direction between Manchester and Wakefield, via Huddersfield, according to TPE.

Castleford Station will be served by direct trains to York

Mr Jackson said it was the first time since 1970 that direct trains had run between Castleford and York.

He said it was a "significant milestone" and had been made possible by the completion of infrastructure works.

"Not only are we able to connect communities, but this infrastructure enables a key diversionary route for TPE, allowing us to keep customers on the move throughout engineering works and other disruption," he said.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "More trains can only be a good thing - boosting connectivity and opportunities for people in our region."