Commuters on the Newbury line should soon have a better chance of a seat after First Great Western said they were making rush-hour trains longer.

Three peak-time trains, the 7.15 from Bedwyn, the 7.53 “fast train” from Newbury, and the 17.12 from Reading to Newbury have all had extra carriages added.

Train traffic on the line has increased by 25% in the last decade, and First Great Western spokeswoman Alison Forster said: “We've listened to feedback and suggestions from our customers over the last few months and we’re delighted to be able to make these improvements to our services in the region.

"These latest improvements are on top of the daily 570 additional seats that we have provided on First Great Western Link services since December last year.

"We have always and will continue to listen to our passengers and other stakeholders and will always endeavour to deliver what they want."

First took over the franchise from Thames Trains two years ago, and has also spent on new advertising hoardings, extra ticket inspectors at Newbury station, and fake hanging baskets at all stations on the local line.