Train operator London Midland has been awarded an extension to its franchise which runs services between London and Birmingham.

The Department for Transport (DfT) asked London Midland to continue operating its current franchise, which runs services between Watford Junction and London Euston, until December 2017 at the earliest, with a possible further extension until February 2018 on the cards.

The current contract was due to come to an end in October this year.

London Midland managing director Patrick Verwer welcomed the decision, saying: “This announcement means we can continue to build on the successes of the last five years that have made this an international award-winning franchise.

“Our focus will remain on delivering the best possible service to our passengers, each day and every day. This approach is already producing high levels of customer satisfaction."

London Midland has been operating train services between London and Liverpool and across the West Midlands since 2007. 

In that time it has invested £14 million in raising performance and introducing additional passenger benefits including on-train entertainment and Wi-Fi.