IT was full steam ahead for commuters in Kidderminster this morning as they boarded the first direct train to London from the town in 100 years.

Chiltern Railways have launched the regular service, which will run every day except Sundays.

Four trains will leave from Kidderminster to London, at 5.39am, 6.21am, 7.28am and 8.28am. And four direct return services will depart from London Marylebone between 4.57pm and 7.50pm.

On Saturdays there will be five services taking people to London and four return journeys.

The new service means the town's commuters will no longer have to change trains or drive to Worcester or Birmingham to catch a direct train to London.