Fifty new jobs have been created by rail company First Great Western in a shake-up of its track and station service, writes David Duffy.

The number of on-train staff has risen to more than 450 and all have been put through a new training programme.

The company said each employee on board its services was now multi-skilled and could help with everything from ticket collection to catering.

First Great Western's director of customer service Tim Buxton said: "We have always put the customer first and this shows how seriously we take that commitment.

"Our aim is to provide a more efficient service throughout and everything we are doing is to help our customers enjoy their journey with is. When there are times of disruption it will also mean an increased level of customer service."

He said litter would be cleared on all services during the journey and first-class travellers would by met by a steward and given complimentary newspapers at their seat.