TRAIN company First Great Western (FGW) has introduced a new service designed to help commuters adjust their journeys when trains are delayed.

Passengers using trains from Westbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham can sign up to receive texts or emails from FGW telling them about cancellations, alterations, or route disruptions.

Although the service will not solve the problems that passengers are facing FGW says it will help them plan better.

Introduced this week, the JourneyAlert system will provide information about events that cause delays - such as flooding on the line, track infrastructure problems and the resulting disruptions.

Paul Higgins, customer information manager at First Great Western, said: "The intelligent web-based system will allow commuters to receive personalised text messages and emails that will alert them to any changes to their regular services, as well as provide further updates on request.

"The facility can be set up by the user to tell them about service changes before they leave the office or home."

Subscribers will have to register with the system and choose the number and type of alerts they want to receive.

Ms Higgins, said: "We know that sometimes things don't go as planned, so this free service means we can let our customers know what's happening so they can make any changes to their journey plans with information readily available.

"The service is free, however it is possible that mobile providers may charge for receipt of texts and the delivery of emails to mobile devices can incur charges from providers."

The service is available now and customers can register by visiting the website www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk