Train operator London Midland has received an extension to its regional franchise which includes one of the key commuter routes in Birmingham.

The West Midlands franchise encompasses a range of services including the Cross City line between Redditch and Lichfield via Birmingham New Street which carries thousands of people across the city every day.

The network also serves routes out of London to the West Midlands and north from Birmingham to Stafford, Crewe and Liverpool.

London Midland's franchise was due to expire in October but the Department for Transport (DfT) has extended it to December with a possible further extension until February 2018.

A deadline to announce the new franchisee passed in June, prompting the DfT to announce this extension to the London Midland contract.

Managing director Patrick Verwer said: "This announcement means we can continue to build on the successes of the last five years that have made this an international award-winning franchise.

"Our focus will remain on delivering the best possible service to our passengers, each day and every day.

"This approach is already producing high levels of customer satisfaction.

"During the months ahead, we will continue to work with the DfT and all our stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for the awarding of the new, long-term franchise."

London Midland has been operating train services on the West Midlands franchise since 2007 and the company's current contract began in April 2016.

Last year, a shortlist of candidates to run the service was announced which comprised London Midland's owner Govia and Dutch Abellio Transport working with East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co.

MTR Corporation, which operates Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway, was also on the shortlist but it mysteriously withdrew from the process just two months later.