Dorchester and Weymouth are set to benefit from an improved rail service this summer.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the news that the county town will benefit from more trains, following years of campaigning to get the railway line out of the worst frequency rail line category.

It follows a new timetable launched by Great Western Railway that will bring a better frequency and later trains departing Weymouth in the evenings.

As part of the changes, the Weymouth-Castle Cary line will now have a regular two-hourly service during the week – a considerable step up from the three-hour frequency at some times of day previously.

There will also be a new later train service departing Weymouth at 9.28pm from allowing a longer evening trip to the seaside in the summer.

Starting this week, two additional direct services to Weymouth will be available on Saturdays from Yeovil Pen Mill, Thornford, Yetminster and Maiden Newton with more evening return services to Bristol Temple Meads and Swindon.

Speaking about the timetable changes, Mr Loder commented: "I committed to getting improvements to this line during my maiden speech in 2020 and following three years of campaigning, this major improvement to train services on the Heart of Wessex Line is a major step forward.

"West Dorset constituents will be able to enjoy the seaside much more in the evenings now without have to rush to get the early train and the increase in trains will mean less crowding.

"These changes will also benefit our region's night-time economy and will allow people from further afield to experience the many benefits Dorset has to offer."