THE trial of increased trains to Chepstow is to be extended to the end of 2012 following a year-on-year increase in journeys. In one recent month they were up 18 per cent.

The move results from the government requiring train operators to fix their timetables in advance of next years Olympics. This is believed to be in order that required rolling stock can be identified for that period.

A spokesman for Cross Country Trains has confirmed that the additional trains from will now operate until December next year, and monitoring will continue throughout the period.

Chairman of Better Trains for Chepstow, Jim Jenkins, says: "I'm delighted by this news but there is going to be no let up in the drive to make these services permanent.

"Indeed we will continue to lobby for all Cross Country trains to stop at Chepstow, and for Arriva Trains Wales to provide a regular hourly service passengers could depend on."

It is believed passenger journeys have increased to Birmingham, Cardiff and Newport but take-up on journeys to Gloucester and Cheltenham have been disappointing.