Train commuters in Leeds will soon be able to benefit from more services across Yorkshire and beyond when Northern rolls out its new timetable next month.

The operator has announced plans to up the number of hourly services between Leeds and Harrogate from two to three, which will be music to the ears of people who board the crowded trains at rush hour.

A brand new hourly direct service linking Leeds and Chester will be brought into service from May too. It's the first time in a number of years that people will be able travel between the two cities by train without changing.

The improved timetable comes one year on from the chaos caused by a massive overhaul to rail services in the north of England.

May 21, 2018, was dubbed 'Meltdown Monday' after thousands of passengers were left stranded on a disastrous day for Northern.

However, Northern regional director Chris Jackson has said that this year's new services are 'absolutely committed to providing the best possible rail service for our customers'.

He said: "This new link between Cheshire and Yorkshire will provide fantastic opportunities for our customers to explore all these great counties have to offer.

"Whether it’s a trip to the races, an encounter with wildlife at Chester Zoo, a visit to the famous Royal Armouries, or an away day at Elland Road, our new service will get you there!

"We are absolutely committed to providing the best possible rail service for our customers and our new timetables will see the introduction of new routes and strengthened links elsewhere in the region."

A number of other changes will also come into effect in May, including faster services between Leeds and Lincoln, a new hourly service between Sheffield and Gainsborough and more trains linking Blackpool with Manchester.

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