Budget rail operator will run more routes between major UK cities - and new low-cost tickets are now on sale

Fares are affordable, starting from just £23.90 for a trip between London and Preston.

Tickets for journeys from 10 July onwards are already available to book, though the company expects to get trains running even earlier than that.

Customers can now book the following fares

• London / Stirling from £29.90
• London / Preston from £23.90
• Preston / Stirling from £14.90

People with railcards can get even more off those prices when their discounts are applied.

There are no booking fees when you purchase tickets through Lumo's own website as part of the company's push to make long-distance rail travel affordable.

Managing director of First Rail Open Access, Stuart Jones, said: "These fares are about putting customers first. By offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London, we're making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for work, leisure and family visits.

"Launching Lumo on the West Coast Main Line is an exciting step forward, and with our new base in Preston creating jobs and supporting the local economy, this is a service that will benefit both passengers and communities along the route."

Trains will call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert on their way between London and Stirling.

Lumo plans to run four daily return services on the full route, plus an extra return between Preston and London.

The trains themselves are refurbished Class 222 units with spruced-up interiors and brand new seating in some carriages. It is a single-class standard service, keeping things simple and costs down.