Train company London Midland has announced it exceeded targets for recruiting new drivers and is planning to introduce 4,000 more peak-time seats on one of its major routes.

The company has said it is ahead of a target, set by the Department for Transport, for recruiting and training new train drivers. 

More than 50 new drivers have completed a 12-month training programme and are now operating driving London Midland trains several months before a Government deadline.

The firm suffered a huge backlash over a driver shortage at the end of last year, which saw almost 1,000 trains cancelled or delayed between last October and December.

The firm also revealed there will be 4,000 more peak-time seats per day in and out of London Euston next year with 10 new Desiro trains due for delivery to the firm next year.

Seven of these will be used on the popular London Euston route and the remainder to improve services in the West Midlands.

The Desiro units will replace Class 323 trains on the West Midlands’ network - freeing up the 323s to provide more services on the busy Cross City line.

Patrick Verwer London Midland’s managing director said: "We are committed to providing quality journeys for everyone and this investment demonstrates how we listen to our passengers and act on their feedback.

"Faster, newer trains on our network is exactly what passengers and commuters want to see alongside an increase in services.”