Ten MPs have written to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin calling for the introduction of a direct train service between Oxford and Bristol.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians from Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Bristol and Somerset want the service to be included in the next Great Western franchise, the BBC reports.

Ed Vaizey, the Conservative MP for Wantage, said the idea would boost the campaign to re-open local stations along the route, including one at Wantage.

Mr Vaizey added that relatively little new infrastructure would be required as the line would run along existing track that is in the process of being electrified.

According to Lib Dem MP for Bath Don Foster, the route would "release some of the pressure on the current services through Bath". He is calling on local employers to give their backing to the proposals.

The proposed new route would connect Bristol, Bath, Chippenham and Swindon to Oxford and Bedford.