Trains started running today 23 February 2009 from the newest station to join the national rail network.

Corby station began operation with a train to London at 06.37 which will return from St Pancras at 18.00.

Phil Hope, the MP for Corby, travelled on the first train.

It is the culmination of years of struggle by Railfuture campaigners and two of the key people were at the station to see their efforts rewarded.

Elisabeth Jordan was interviewed by BBC Look East, ITV Anglia and BBC Radio Northampton.

David Fursdon spoke to three local radio stations, Radio Corby, Radio Rutland and Connect FM.

“We welcome this new service although it is only one train each way at the moment," said David Fursdon of Railfuture East Midlands. "This route was axed to regular passenger services in 1966 so we are delighted it is being reopened.

“This limited service is due to lack of rolling stock and we will continue to press East Midlands Trains to do all they can to put on more trains to offer a better timetable at the earliest possible date.”

These are the first direct trains between the capital and Corby for 43 years. Campaigners hope it will lead to a service northwards from Corby in the not-too-distant future to offer greater journey opportunities for Oakham and Melton.

It will probably be April before the full timetable is implemented, when there should be an hourly service to London via Kettering, Bedford and Luton.

In 2007, Network Rail allocated £1.2million towards the rebuilding of the station (to a pioneering modular design) as a response to housing and jobs growth in the county.

North Northants Development Company predicted that the new station will unlock an estimated £200million of further commercial investment in Corby, and help to create more than 1,200 jobs.

The original Midland Railway 1879 Corby station closed in 1967 but was reopened in 1987 with a limited low-cost local diesel service, but closed again in 1990.

Information from Elisabeth Jordan and David Fursdon.