A NEW high speed train has been unveiled by Great Western Railway to celebrate 175 years since welcoming its first passengers between Bristol and London.

Before coming into service in 2017, one of the new Hitachi built engines was put on display as it travelled through the county from Reading to London Paddington.

The trains will include more seats, free wifi, power sockets for each seat and increased luggage space and will run on the electrified Great Western Line when it is completed.

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said: "On this special anniversary we are looking not just back at our rich heritage but forward at a transformational investment programme.

"The new trains will result in more frequent and faster journeys and an increase in the number of seats.

"These, and a range of further passenger benefits, will enable communities and businesses across the Great Western network to prosper and we are delighted to invite observers to witness first-hand the step change electrification and our new fleet will bring."

The day marked the 175th birthday of the very first train to run on the line from Bristol to London.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Britain’s railways have a glorious past and even brighter future thanks to the record amounts we are investing to modernise the network, deliver better journeys for passengers and drive economic growth.

“The unveiling of Great Western Railway’s first state-of-the-art IEP train offers a glimpse of the benefits passengers in the South West and Wales will enjoy from 2017. These include more seats, greater comfort, better reliability and faster, more frequent services.”