BUSINESS chiefs have published a railway timetable to prove that a popular spa town is even better connected to London than some believe.

Official GNER timetables print only what they consider to be the most widely used connections between Harrogate and Kings Cross.

But the one published by Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce gives all the onward connections and it is hoped it will boost use of the rail services.

Research by the chamber revealed that of the 57 trains running daily from London to York or Leeds, 53 have onward connections to London, but the GNER timetable shows only 27.

For the southbound services, there are 50 connections out of the 57 daily services, but the official timetable shows only 32.

Keen to put Harrogate on the conference and tourist map, the chamber has published the in-depth schedule to highlight the fact that the town is firmly on the rail network map.

Its chief executive, Brian Dunsby, said it will be helpful to both business and leisure visitors.

Yesterday a GNER spokesman said its rail timetable features only the main and shortest connections that are the most likely to be used.

He said: "There is a more detailed national timetable available if people wish to see that.

"We only include the most popular connections in our pocket-sized one.

"Credit to the chamber if they want to produce a guide of their own, it all helps to get people using the service."

The timetables are being distributed by Harrogate International Conference Centre free.