British designers Priestmangoode have unveiled a conceptual high-speed train for the UK.

The London studio have created the design, entitled Mercury, in an attempt persuade the British government to advance the project.

Paul Priestman of Priestmangoode, designer of the iconic Virgin Pendolino train, believes that the new high speed train is vital for the future of Britain.

China on Saturday unveiled what it billed as the fastest rail link in the world — a train connecting the modern cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan at an average speed of 350 kilometres (217 miles) an hour.