COMMUTERS will be able to travel from Worcester to London in under two hours.

Travellers can hop on the speedy service from Worcester to London Paddington when the GWR timetable is launched later this year.

Campaigners have long wanted faster services between the two cities.

And faster trains to London were a major part of the plan when Worcestershire County Council launched its Rail Investment Strategy two years ago.

Worcestershire County Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure said: “I am delighted to see train links between Worcester and London will be under two hours, which will be a hugely important extra service for the residents of Worcestershire.

"The county’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the UK and the quicker trains will help us to continue to encourage more inward investment. “

GWR has announced its 6.43am train from Shrub Hill to London Paddington will take 1 hour 57 minutes and the 5.34pm back will also take under 2 hours.

Journey times from Worcestershire Parkway will be even faster when the station opens later this year.

The council said better connectivity for the county was an essential element in growing the region’s economy and bringing investment and jobs to Worcestershire.

The faster London trains are expected to generate a further 420 jobs in the region.

The new Cross Country Cardiff to Nottingham service will stop at Worcestershire Parkway, which is the first time this service has stopped at a Worcester station for more than 30 years, further increasing connectivity.

The rail industry forecasts up to 97 per cent growth in passenger volumes on Worcestershire routes by 2043.