Eurostar is to bring forward the re-introduction of a direct service between Ashford International and Brussels.

Eurostar had announced the service would begin operating on March 12, but with news that the Channel Tunnel is to fully re-open next month following last year's fire, that date has been brought forward to Monday, February 23.

On the same day, Eurostar will restore faster and more frequent services through the Channel Tunnel, with up to 19 trains a day between London and Paris, and up to 10 a day between London and Brussels.

Richard Brown, Eurostar chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that the growth in passengers on the London–Brussels route since the opening of High Speed 1 has enabled us to reintroduce a direct link between Ashford International and Brussels, and we very much hope it will prove attractive to travellers.

“The completion of tunnel repairs will be welcome news for our travellers.”