The start of the high speed train preview service from Folkestone to London has been welcomed.

Two trains to St Pancras started running on Monday prior to the full service in December. There are also two high speed return trains in the afternoon.

The first service left Folkestone Central at 6.54am and arrived 52 minutes later at St Pancras.

“This is fantastic news for the whole area,” said Damian Collins, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Folkestone and Hythe. “The start of this service has been long anticipated and its first run did not disappoint.

“High speed rail will not only make it easier for people to get into London, but also has the potential to attract businesses and visitors. It is as if the railway has been reinvented for the 21st century.”

On the train with Mr Collins were Mayor of Folkestone, Cllr Janet Andrews, Cllr Susan Carey, chairman of Shepway District Council, and Cllr Carole Waters, Shepway cabinet member for sport and culture.

For details of the high speed service, go to www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/cms/pages/view/322