Newquay's second platform has returned to service for the first time in 38 years as trains resume on the branch line following Network Rail engineering works.

The station had operated with a single platform since October 1987, when its signal box closed; new digital signalling now enables both platforms to be used once again.

The upgrades are designed to support the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM). An hourly service between Newquay and Par will start next year, more than doubling current frequencies, with a direct link from Newquay to Falmouth via Par, St Austell and Truro to follow.

Digital signalling controlled at Goonbarrow signal box replaces the former 'token' system, in which drivers carried a physical token to ensure only one train was on the single-track line at any time.

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Work completed for MCM includes a full rebuild of Newquay’s second platform with new track laid to serve it, construction of a new passing loop at Goss Moor, track renewals near St Blazey, and major refurbishment of the 152-year-old Ponts Mill viaduct over the River Par.

MCM is funded by the Government and Cornwall Council and is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the council and GWR.

Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail industry programme director, said: "This is fantastic news for passengers in Cornwall. The completion of this work paves the way for a huge increase in journeys to Newquay and will bring some of the county’s largest places closer together.

"We're sorry for the disruption while the work took place but its legacy will provide a boost to the local economy and the environment."

Matthew Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said: "These upgrades make the track and signalling improvements necessary for us to provide more, and better, services.

"This paves the way for us to run our first Mid Cornwall Metro trains which will provide coast-to-coast connectivity between Newquay and Falmouth via Par and St Austell.

"Now that works are complete we will continue to progress improvements to the train service; the first step will see us double frequency on the line between Newquay and Par, followed by the start of coast-to-coast services at a later date."