THERE is good news for Gwent sports fans aiming to travel to the Commonwealth Games to support our athletes.

If you want to back Christian Malcolm (pictured) and Jamie Baulch, Bassaleg triathlete Anneliese Heard or cyclist Julian Winn, there are now extra trains for Manchester.

A special daily service will be run by Wales and Borders trains to and from Newport starting on July 25 until August 3.

Visitors to the games have been urged to use the trains as an alternative to travelling by car in order to avoid traffic congestion.

Chris Gibb, managing director of Wales and Borders Trains said: "The special trains we are providing can be reserved in advance and can cater for groups of up to 60 people, offering a quick and comfortable alternative to driving".

The special train calls at Newport at 6 am and arrives in Manchester Piccadilly at 9.23 am. The return service departs from Manchester at 7.17 pm. The service excludes July 28.

Further information on the special service to Manchester is available on 08457 48 49 50 (24 hours), 0845 60 40 500 (Welsh Language), or 0845 60 50 600 (textphone).

Tickets can also be booked online at www.walesandbordertrains.co.uk up to three days before travel or by phone on 0800 9000 773.