A rail link direct from Oakham to London is opening in December at the same time trains will be leaving Corby station also to the capital.

As the two stations will be on the same line, rail bosses said it was possible that the Oakham service could stop at Corby for the first time in 42 years.

A spokesman for East Midlands Trains said: "We are still going through the timetable and all our services are being looked at and signed off by Network Rail.

"We wouldn't want to raise hopes that there will be a service in December, but it hasn't been ruled out and we should know around August."

David Fursdon, branch member of Railfuture East Midlands, welcomed the news.

He said: "Railfuture has campaigned from the outset for a through rail service for Corby.Although it's only in the early stages yet, East Midlands Trains must think there is the possibility of a service in the future.

"We know people in Oakham are keen to catch a train through to Corby or Kettering as well as London."

Although the rail link between Corby and Oakham closed to passengers more than 40 years ago, the line has remained in use for freight services and trains forced to take a diversion.

Mr Fursdon said: "It's a fully operational route so to put that link back in would be relatively easy. We will be keeping a close eye on it and shall add our support where we can."

Contractors are currently on site in Station Road putting in infrastructure for Corby station. Town regeneration bosses are hoping for a direct hourly line to the capital.