Train passengers have been promised a faster, better-quality service between the Malvern area and London from December 2004.

This will be introduced by FirstGroup, which takes over the Thames Train franchise on April 1.

FirstGroup has promised better punctuality and reliability, less overcrowding and a restructured timetable for when it takes over the franchise.

Local MP Sir Michael Spicer, who has been pressing for an improvement in the service, said: "If this means that we'll have high standard intercity trains on every service, that is excellent news."

However, although FirstGroup says it will be running intercity trains capable of doing 125mph, it is not responsible for track building and maintenance, which is the responsibility of Network Rail.

Sir Michael said the line between Worcestershire and London was greatly in need of improvement.

"An intercity service requires an intercity line," added Sir Michael, who said he had written to the chairman of Network Rail to suggest the stretches of single track should be upgraded as soon as possible.

Sir Michael said he had also written to Central Trains to ask if it would consider setting up a shuttle service between Malvern and Worcester to provide regular trains on a shuttle basis.