TRAIN operator First Great Western is urging customers to book early and reserve their seats on its Christmas and New Year services.

Bookings on services to the West of England are particularly brisk, with a large number of seats already reserved.

Particularly busy are departures from London Paddington on the evening of Friday, December 21, and lunchtime services on Thursday, December 20, Saturday, 22, and Sunday 23.

"The number of reservations so far is really encouraging," said First Great Western managing director Mike Carroll. "We're committed to running safe and reliable services and I'm really pleased that once again thousands of people are choosing to use First Great Western to visit their loved ones for the festive period."

Booking early will allow customers to get the best value tickets, such as Super/Advance fares to London Paddington.

As usual services on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will stop operating earlier than normal and there is no service on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

First Great Western's twice daily e-mail information bulletin will also be provided on every working day over the Christmas and New Year period. To subscribe, e-mail information.services@firstgroup.com

Customers are advised to check journey arrangements before they travel by contacting the National Rail Inquiry Service on 08457 48 49 50, www.nationalrail-.co.uk or Ceefax page 432.

First Great Western telesales can be contacted on 08457 000 125.