Train operator First Great Western has said an award it has received for staff training is good news for rail passengers.

The Swindon-based company's commercial department has been given an Investors In People award, a national accreditation presented for staff development.

Accreditation is open to all types of organisation across the country. and follows a series of interviews with staff members, managers and directors from all areas of the company.

FGW says it has committed £7 million for additional staff, training and development and enhanced customer service this year.

Managing director Chris Kinchin-Smith said: "The Investors In People Standard demonstrates just how highly we value every one of our people.

"There is no doubt that committed and trained individuals have a huge positive impact on the levels of service we can offer our customers."

The Investors In People award comes just weeks after FGW scooped three awards in the Government-backed National Training Awards.