A REGULAR new train service direct from Blackpool to Birmingham gave Virgin Trains something to shout about, so they called in Blackpool Town Crier Barry McQueen.

He was there to help give a send off to Virgin Trains chief executive Chris Green who was on one of the first new trains.

It will mean the resort has a two-hourly link to the second city's New Street and International stations with links nationwide from there.

Virgin Train's new national timetable has been five years in the planning and £1billion has been lavished on 78 new trains.

The first train out of Blackpool North for the two and a half hour journey is at 6.54am.