A direct rail service linking two key cities in East Anglia is to carry its first passengers on Thursday.

The trip between Cambridge and Norwich marks the start of a new hourly service - the first direct train link between the cities in almost 20 years.

Tim Clarke, managing director for Anglia Railways, said the trains should provide "a real alternative to traffic congestion on the A11".

From 29 September, there will be 15 trains in each direction a day on weekdays, and 10 on Sundays.

Grant given

Charles Clarke, the MP for Norwich South, will be guest of honour on the first train between Norwich and Cambridge.

Mr Clarke is meeting the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Derek Wood, at Norwich railway station shortly after 1000 BST to embark on the 70-minute trip.

Local authorities in both cities have supported the moves to get a �9.2m grant from the Strategic Rail Authority to develop the route.

The distance between the two cities is approximately 64 miles.