A Crewe heritage railway firm has created a new weekly charter service to the capital - following the announcement of a reduced timetable from a main regional operator.

Locomotive Services Limited, off Nantwich Road, has announced it is running a first-class only service from Crewe to London Euston.

The £75 journey will run on Fridays only, travelling at speeds of up to 110mph.

Locomotive Services will now run a Crewe service without stops from 2:29pm on Fridays (Cllr Ben Wye).

The train will run on electric locomotives, aiming to tackle the number of reduced services announced by Avanti West Coast.

The main regional operator said that due to "severe staff shortages", a number of train journeys had to be cut.

Locomotive Services will now run a Crewe service without stops from 2:29pm - arriving at London Euston for 4:12pm.

The train will then make a return back North at 5:47pm, calling at Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe and Wilmslow.

It will then terminate at Manchester Piccadilly for 8:45pm.

Severe staff shortages have meant a number of train journeys had to be cut by Avanti West Coast (Ryan Parker).

Charter trains, such as this Crewe one, have not been used for a regular services on Britains' railways for four years - last having services in the summer of 2018.

Locomotive Services Limited says passengers can travel "in comfort and style without the stress of normal rail services".

Avanti West Coast has reduced its number of services following industrial action - taking place for the past month.

The rail operator has apologised for the disruption, saying the amended timetable would be in place until further notice.

Locomative Services Limited is based off Nantwich Road, Crewe. It was founded in 2018 (Locomotive Services Limited).

Last week, managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: "It's extremely disappointing the RMT and TSSA have decided to disrupt customers' lives once again and cause more misery and frustration."

Locomotive Services was founded in 2018. The company operates rail tours using heritage steam, diesel and electric locomotives.