NEW trains could soon be running between Dorset and London following a multi-million pound investment.

South West Trains which operates services between Weymouth and Waterloo has received £29 million from the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to fund a new fleet of trains called Desiro, which is already under production in Germany.

The funding, which comes as part of a deed of amendment signed by the SRA and South West Trains' parent company Stagecoach, will also go towards development work like lengthening platforms and adapting stations. It will also help to provide extra services on busy routes.

The Desiro trains are much longer than standard carriages and will go a long way in reducing overcrowding, say train firm chiefs.

A South West Trains' spokesman said three different types of trains were being constructed by Siemens to be used on suburban and mainline routes in southern and south-west England.

When bidding for the franchise, for the line the company pledged to replace all of its slam-door stock within the next few years and the new trains are part of that commitment.

Stagecoach's chief executive Keith Cochrane said capacity has always been the biggest challenge facing South West Trains as the company runs about 1,700 services a day over some of the most congested tracks in the country. He said: "The signing of the deed is great news. It means work on these vital projects can continue to progress while we continue negotiating the fine detail of our new long-term franchise.

"For passengers it means one step closer to those desperately-needed extra seats."

SRA chief operating officer Nick Newton said: "Today's agreement is of real importance to travellers on the South West Trains' network.

"With the company's continued commitment to getting 785 new carriages into service, ongoing planning for longer platforms and introduction of more services and capacity, passengers can expect tangible improvements.

"The SRA will continue negotiations with Stage-coach Group, leading towards a new long-term franchise."