The first stage of a multi-billion pound rail upgrade will be celebrated today at a ceremony marking its completion.

Virgin Trains boss Sir Richard Branson will join rail industry officials at the ceremony in London's Euston Station.

Tilting trains will run at speeds of up to 125mph between London and Manchester as a result of the improvements to the infrastructure.

Work is continuing to complete the project, which has already cost several billion pounds, between Manchester and Glasgow.

Monday September 20, 2004