High speed summer rail services

Newquay's beaches have long been a magnet for surfers

High speed train services are to run directly to the popular Cornish resort of Newquay this summer.

CrossCountry Trains will run two nine-coach trains between Manchester and Newquay and two seven-coach trains from Newcastle.

The Saturday services, from May to September, are aimed at bringing holidaymakers to the county.

The trains will have large luggage carriages to accommodate surfboards, but bicycles will not be carried.

All services will offer either a buffet service or at-seat catering.

'Better option'

Surfers Against Sewage have welcomed the announcement.

The environmental group's campaign officer Andy Cummins said anything that helped reduce the impact of climate change was important.

"From a purely selfish point of view, if water users want to come to Newquay and they can fly or take the train, the train is by far the better option," he said.

VisitCornwall has also welcomed the new high speed service.

Spokeswoman Julia Cox said: "These new cross-country train routes are fantastic news for Cornwall.

"Not only will they facilitate the use of sustainable travel but they will also put the UK's surfing hotspot in easy reach and, thanks to the large luggage compartments, enable visitors to ride Newquay's waves using their own boards.

"This is sure to appeal to the hundreds of surfers that head to Cornwall each year."