First Great Western has launched a direct coach link out of Cornwall to help customers connect with services to and from London while the railway is blocked by the Dawlish sea-wall collapse.

Two coaches a day will leave from Truro Station, Bodmin Parkway Station and from Victoria Square car park in Bodmin Town Centre connecting with services to London at Tiverton Parkway, with two return services.

The services provide an alternative for customers travelling to and from Cornwall, who may prefer not to take a train to Plymouth, followed by a coach to Tiverton Parkway.

First Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood said: "Network Rail's work at Dawlish will continue for some weeks, and we appreciate the patience and understanding our customers have shown us over the past ten days.

"We are absolutely focused on keeping customers moving. These non-stop coach services offer an alternative for business travel in particular and we are happy to support Cornwall’s economy in this way. We work in partnership with the communities we serve and I am delighted that Cornwall Council has agreed to waive car park charges for customers connecting with the buses at Victoria Square in Bodmin.

"The new bus services are part of an unprecedented number of coach services operated by First Great Western to support customers through the closure of the line at Dawlish.

“We have had great support from our colleagues at First Rail Support. They recognise our goal of making sure we are delivering for our customers at all times - particularly during disruption - and were quick to mobilise their support. We now have over 350 bus services running alongside our rail services in the South West."

For customers who prefer to drive to connect with London services First Great Western is providing additional parking at Exeter St Davids, and work has started on a new temporary car park at Tiverton Parkway.