Eurostar Record

Eurostar has set a new speed record on its inaugural journey from Paris to London via a new high-speed line.

The train, carrying journalists and VIPs, arrived at St Pancras, instead of Waterloo, for the first time. It took 2hrs, 3min and 39sec.

The 186mph (300km/h) British line is expected to cut Paris to London journey times by 20 minutes to 2hr 15min when it opens to the public on 14 November.

Construction of the line and revamping St Pancras cost £5.8bn in public funds.

The high cost of the project is partly due to some major engineering challenges, including laying track to pass over the River Medway, under the River Thames and through 11 miles of tunnels beneath London.