Virgin says it is working very hard to find rolling stock

Virgin Trains has already put a Manchester to Newquay service into the timetable.

It is now trying to find a company with spare rolling stock so the service can go ahead.

However, rail authorities may need to broker any deal needed to borrow rolling stock from another company.

Seat reservations

Chris Gibb of Virgin Cross Country said: "It is unusual, although in past years British Rail always struggled to find rolling stock for these type of services right up to the last minute.

"We are concerned and we're working very hard to find stock.

"Of course we could make a last-minute change and we won't be opening trains for seat reservations until we have identified the rolling stock."

Virgin said there were other companies with spare rolling stock, although supplies are limited.

BBC South West business correspondent Neil Gallacher said: "Procuring a train seems unlikely unless the rail authorities decide to bang some heads together and broker a train leasing deal on Virgin's behalf."