RMT also paid tribute to the "tireless efforts" of Wrexham RMT branch secretary Dave Bithell, whose campaigning over many years has helped bring about Wrexham's rail renaissance.

The move follows the investment of more than £900,000 by the Welsh Assembly government in a new rail depot in the town, for which Wrexham RMT has campaigned for many years, and which general secretary Bob Crow urged AMs to back.

"The start of direct rail services is great news for Wrexham, for Wales and for the rail industry," Bob Crow said today.

"As well as the welcome creation of 50 new jobs it will also ease congestion at busy interchanges in Birmingham and London, and it is good for the environment because it will encourage people onto trains and out of cars.

"Our members at Wrexham RMT, and particularly branch secretary Dave Bithell, have campaigned for this for years, and I know they will be delighted," Bob Crow said.