NEW rail operator Wrexham & Shropshire has confirmed it will launch its services linking Oxfordshire with Shropshire and North Wales later this month.

The firm, which is part-owned by Chiltern Railways' parent company Deutsche Bahn, will start running on Monday, April 28, using hired coaches while it waits for its own overhauled fleet to arrive.

The 100mph trains will call at Banbury en route between London Marylebone, the West Midlands, Telford, Shrewsbury and Wrexham.

Due to rail competition rules, the stops at Banbury will only be to pick up northbound passengers and drop off southbound passengers.

Managing director Andy Hamilton said: "We look forward to welcoming passengers on board."