Japanese bullet train on display

Ruth Kelly said the train would transform rail travel

A Japanese-style bullet train which will play a key part in the 2012 London Olympics has been shown off in Kent.

The 140mph (225km/h) six-car Class 395 train will provide the "javelin" service, transporting spectators to and from the Olympics site in east London.

The Southeastern train company also plans to run 29 of the trains on the final section of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link from Kent to central London.

The train was displayed at Hitachi's new depot in Ashford.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, transport secretary Ruth Kelly said it marked "a major milestone in the Channel Tunnel Rail Link programme".

We're proud to be introducing high speed services in December 2009 Charles Horton, Southeastern managing director

"It will transform the experience of commuters, provide a real spur for regeneration, and carry passengers to the Olympics on the Javelin service," she said.

"This is all part of the government's £5.8bn investment in the new high speed line, which will revolutionise journey times for domestic passengers as well as those travelling internationally."

Ms Kelly added it was "symbolic of the recovery and regeneration of Britain's railway" backed by sustained funding from both government and the private sector.

The "javelin" service promises to ferry travellers from St Pancras station in London to the Olympic site at Stratford, in east London, in just seven minutes.

Southeastern managing director, Charles Horton, said it was an exciting time for the company.

"We're proud to be introducing high speed services in December 2009," he said.