TILTING trains which travel at speeds of 125mph will be introduced for services between Manchester and London later this month.

The £7.6billion project to modernise the West Coast mainline will see the high-tech trains providing a faster service from September 27, with journeys to the capital taking just two hours -- half an hour off the normal time.

Up to 9,000 workers have spent the last 14 months rebuilding the railway line between London, Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester.

Rail bosses believe the service will help to provide a safer, faster and reliable railway service for commuters.

Network Rail chairman Ian McAllister, said: " This is a significant achievement and marks a massive step forward in the continuing modernisation of the West Coast Main Line.

"Passengers along the route have been incredibly patient as we've practically ripped up the route and rebuilt it. But the benefits are considerable with faster, more frequent services -- and more to come as our task to rebuild Britain's railway continues.

"I would like to thank the thousands of railway people who have made this achievement possible. We will now continue our work to prepare the route for the next stages of the upgrade project."

Further track improvements will take place through to Preston and Liverpool by June next year, with work due to take place in Glasgow by December, 2005.