The Lake District's railway line will not be electrified and the area's train operator has been told to find "alternative" power for its locomotives.

Direct services connecting Windermere with Manchester Airport will also operate four times a day from May.

Franchise holder Northern Rail has announced that it will introduce new "flex" trains, which can switch between diesel and electric power, also in May 2018 for this route, meaning its passengers will not have to change trains.

These announcements came from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling as part of a series of developments across the UK.

He said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since the Victorian era and upgrading services across the country, including in Wales, the midlands and the north.

“Passengers expect and deserve high quality rail services and we are committed to using the best available technology for each part of the network, delivering significant benefits for those who use our railways.”

A Department for Transport spokesman added: "Thanks to this new technology disruptive electrification works between Cardiff and Swansea, Kettering, Nottingham and Sheffield and between Windermere and Oxenholme, will no longer be needed.

"Passengers will benefit sooner and experience less disruption compared with putting up intrusive wires and masts along routes where they are no longer required."

Brand new diesel-powered trains will also appear on this route from 2019, featuring air conditioning, free wifi, and plug sockets.

Northern has also been told to research new trains which could use environmentally friendly fuel sources to operate between Oxenholme and Windermere, but which would also be able to run on the electrified routes south of the national park.

Sharon Keith, Northern's regional director, said: "We welcome the opportunity to bring more innovation and modern technology to our customers in the Lake District.

“Through our current programme of modernisation we are already introducing 98 new diesel and electric trains, as well as refurbishing the remainder of our fleet and upgrading many of the facilities at our stations.

“We are also investing in digital technology to keep our customers informed and to open up new ways of purchasing tickets and paying for travel."

“This ongoing partnership with Department for Transport and Rail North will allow us to innovate further and help develop technologies which may not only enhance the environment in Cumbria, but could also be used as a blueprint for routes further afield,” she added.