Great Western Railway’s first Intercity Express Train has made its maiden voyage to Cornwall, as part of a very special test journey from London Paddington to Penzance. Part of an expo event with Cornwall Council to showcase improved rail services for the South West, the Intercity Express Train left London Paddington at 05:33 and arrived at Penzance Station at 11:01.

UK: The announcement on July 23 by Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis that the Great Western Main Line linking London, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea is to be electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz comes almost exactly 25 years after the go-ahead for the UK’s last main line electrification. The then Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley approved the London - Edinburgh East Coast Main Line project on July 27 1984.