Train services from north to south Wales via Ludlow, Church Stretton and Craven Arms are set to benefit from a £343 million investment into railways in Wales from the UK Government.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has set out plans to provide additional funding for the next phase of development work on proposals to speed up journeys between Cardiff, Ludlow and Chester.

Mr Shapps said almost £2 million has been made available for work, which could see journey times fall through better-aligned tracks and exploring putting more services on the lines.

"The host of improvements we are delivering across Wales, from huge infrastructure upgrades to creating new and modern stations, are vital to deliver better, quicker and more convenient journeys for passengers within, into and out of Wales," he said.

"We want to transform travel for passengers and, as we build back better from Covid-19, we will ensure our investment helps to level up all parts of the UK.

"By upgrading, improving, and – crucially –modernising our railways, we will make good on our promise to deliver the reliable journeys passengers deserve."

It currently takes around one hour and 35 minutes to travel from Hereford to Cardiff by train, and two hours to Chester.