HUNDREDS of South West commuters wore cattle masks as they boarded their trains this morning in an angry protest against unreliable services and rising fares.

Campaigners gathered at 20 stations across the region, including Trowbridge and Warminster, and handed out "fake tickets" for passengers to display their displeasure at the service provided by First Great Western.

There was standing room only on the Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads service after 40 passengers branding the special tickets were allowed through barriers.

Peter Andrews, one of the leaders of the More Train Less Strain group, said: "We feel at last our message is beginning to get through. The First Great Western service is appalling. Have a look around, no one can sit down."

Comedian Dom Joly boarded the train to support the campaign.

First Great Western insisted most of the passengers allowed through with their fake vouchers had already bought tickets.

Spokesman Adrian Ruck said: "So far here at Spa, 40 people who have shown their protest tickets have been allowed through - but they had already bought tickets.

"We have only had one person who has pushed through the barrier and we will decide whether they are to face prosecution.

"We accept that the service has fallen short in the past and we will continue to have considerable dialogue with the public to resolve these issues."