Great Western Railway has announced a scheme to modernise high speed trains and provide additional seats and services in Cornwall.

The plans hope to double the frequency of services on the Cornish main line between Exeter and Penzance.

The work will see the trains modernised and made more accessible with decade old slam doors being replaced with modern, automated sliding doors; and toilet retention tanks fitted as well as an improved passenger information system.

MP Sarah Newton said: "I’m particularly pleased that the upgraded trains will be much more accessible.

"It’s really important that everyone, including people with health conditions or impairments, has the opportunity to travel by train with ease and enjoyment."

GWR Commercial Development Director Matthew Golton said: "These trains will replace smaller, less powerful trains on this part of the network; doubling the number of seats as part of our commitment to improving rolling stock across every part of our network.

"They will work alongside the new Intercity Express Trains due this summer; helping us to double the frequency of services to and from the South West and improve capacity on suburban commuter services."

Some of the improvements undertaken in the scheme will include: 48 passenger carriages and 24 power cars being updated as part of a wider national programme to modernise the high speed train.

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: "This is a fantastic time for rail in Cornwall and the arrival of these trains marks another milestone in efforts to transform services on the Cornish mainline.

"Later this year, these new short form HSTs provide our local rail service – trains leaving Penzance for Plymouth every 30 minutes and stopping at stations along the way.

"As a council, we have been working with our partners at GWR, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership to bring about changes in infrastructure and rolling stock, changes which will benefit residents, commuters, visitors, the economy and our environment."

The completed first train set is currently being tested in the South West and is expected to provide an Exeter to Penzance shuttle later this week, more than doubling the number of seats per train.