GRAND Central is launching a fourth daily direct service between York and London today.

The extra train means passengers will be able to travel back to York from the capital much later than they have until now.

The last train will leave Kings Cross at 19.18, arriving in York at 21.21. Until now, the last train back from London has departed before 17.000.

There will also be an extra train leaving York for London at 10.52, arriving at Kings Cross at 12.50.

Tom Clift, managing director of the York-based company, said: “As these additional weekday services open up an increased range of travel opportunities for both business and leisure rail travellers along our route, we are very excited about starting to operate the extra trains from Monday”

A spokesman said that to prepare for the launch of the new service, the company had acquired additional rolling stock and over recent months had been preparing the Class 180 trains for service and undertaking crew training.

Grand Central was launched in December 2007, since when it has run with three trains per day in each direction. It provides competition on the route for National Express East Coast, also based in York.