Virgin Trains has revealed figures for record journeys taken on its Blackpool route one year after introducing electric Pendolino services, which strengthened connections to and from the resort.

Latest figures from Virgin Trains show over 150,000 journeys have been made on the 36 Pendolino services that launched in May 2018 – with 34% (51,000) made between Blackpool and London Euston. Adding journeys taken on the original services, a total of 56,000 journeys have been made between the resort and the capital – a record number since Virgin Trains first reintroduced a direct link in December 2014.

The electric services, which launched following Network Rail's work to electrify the line between Blackpool and Preston, have also generated growth in local journeys in Lancashire -- with 7,000 journeys between Preston and the seaside resort over the last year.

Following the boost in services, journeys on Virgin’s Blackpool route have increased by 1600% since May 2017 – when Virgin Trains only served Blackpool with two direct services a day Monday – Friday.

The inter-city operator now operates eight direct services each weekday and five services on a Saturday between Blackpool and London. A direct service from Birmingham on Saturdays also offers the West Midlands a direct service to Blackpool, contributing to the growth of tourism and the local economy along the West Coast Main Line. To celebrate one year of Pendolino services, customers were treated to Blackpool Rock – made by local SME, Coronation Confectionery Promotions and birthday cupcakes.