Falmouth could be getting its own metro rail link to connect the town to others in mid Cornwall.

Funding has been awarded to investigate the proposal for a Mid-Cornwall Metro rail service further.

The idea has been championed by Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory and St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double.

Ms Mackrory said the proposal aimed to create a coast-to-coast through service connecting Falmouth, Penryn, Truro, St Austell, Par and Newquay.

The idea was that it would reduce journey times and ease road congestion for people living along the route.

Ms Mackrory said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the Mid-Cornwall Metro rail service scheme awarded development funding to allow these plans to be progressed.

“These plans will provide a coast-to-coast rail link between Falmouth and Newquay. A route for enabling students to easily commute from further afield to the university campuses at Falmouth and Penryn to Newquay, and a great way to grow Falmouth and Penryn’s economy.

“I will continue to do all I can, working with local partners and the Department for Transport, to ensure this project progresses.”

The project has been given funding to develop into more specific designs and details as part of the wider national Restoring Your Railway Fund, which sets out to develop proposals that level up transport links across the country.

A metro rail service differs from the local rail links in that it is specifically designed to connect certain locations and has its own separate track, which is not shared by other trains.