First Great Western aims to get rid of all its 125mph Adelante express trains by March next year.

From Sunday, when new rail timetables start, only eight of the 14-strong fleet will be needed each day and they will be phased out as refurbished InterCity125 High Speed Trains arrive.

Two Adelantes will be sent to Yorkshire in January to stand in for a damaged train owned by Hull Trains, which needs extensive repairs.

New operator Wrexham & Shropshire is being tipped as another possible user on its service linking London with Shrewsbury and Wrexham, via Banbury, due to start next May.