RAIL companies look set for tough competition as Blackpool travellers are tempted to swap trains for low-cost planes.

Virgin Trains are facing competition from Ryanair, the low-cost airline, which will begin twice-daily flights between Blackpool Airport and London Stansted on May 1.

Ryanair claims its fares, from £29.99 one way, will attract around 250,000 passengers a year and will link Blackpool with more than 50 European destinations via London Stansted.

Virgin runs a direct service between Blackpool North and London Euston, but this finishes on May 18 to make way for the summer timetable, and passengers will then have to pick up their London train at Preston.

But Virgin spokesman Allan McLean said: "We welcome competition. We still believe that on this particular route most people will be going by rail to London, because Euston is more central.

"The stations at Preston and London Euston are more convenient for most passengers. And we do have some very cheap fares available. There are advanced priced tickets available from £25 return."

Local firms, Arriva and First North Western, would also see a drop in passenger numbers between Blackpool and Preston -- the nearest station for London connections -- if customers decide to fly direct from Squires Gate instead.

Ryanair's new London flights will complement its other recently announced service linking Blackpool with Dublin.

And on Monday, another low-fare airline, FlyBe, announced a daily service between Blackpool and Belfast which will start on May 19.

Blackpool Airport's managing director Garry Eastwood said around 20 jobs would be created by the Ryanair London service and many more could follow.

"This is just the start. The two areas involved will be the terminal staff and the fire station, and we have started recruitment on extra firefighters already," he said.

Councillor Allan Matthews, the airport board's chairman, said: "Three destination announcements in the space of one week is fantastic for the resort and our regeneration plans.

"The North West can now boast a third regional airport of real stature."