Regular users of Birmingham International station will spot a significant difference to the travel hub after Virgin Trains spent more than £1 million creating what it has called the 'station of the future'.

The rail group has created a new style of ticketing area by replacing the traditional booking office windows with an open plan design and new welcome desk.

There are also new service pods for customers wanting to buy tickets, more user friendly information screens, improved ticket machines and touch screen information points while staff will be present on the course armed with tablets to assist with travel information.

The investment has also seen the introduction of wireless charging for customer devices, cashless payment up to £30 at the car park barriers aimed at reducing queues, free station wi-fi and the refurbishment of concourse toilets.

Natasha Grice, Virgin Trains' general manager for the West Midlands, said: "We've never been afraid to challenge traditional thinking.

"We are committed to innovation and the ‘station of the future’ project is just another example. More importantly, these changes are being driven by our customers.

"In the last year alone, we've seen a fivefold increase in the number of customers using paperless tickets."

Birmingham International statement manager Simon Greaves added: "With less reliance of the traditional booking office, this new approach is about how we make the best use of our people, backed by the very latest in new technology for the benefit of our customers. We want to make it as easy as possible for them."

A ceremony was held which saw Meriden MP Caroline Spelman officially open the new concourse.

She said: "I am delighted to welcome further investment in this important regional transport hub."