A new, multi-million pound station improvement scheme means passengers in Reading will benefit from more reliable and more comfortable train journeys.

Reading station has been transformed, with two new entrances, five new platforms, a wider passenger footbridge and improved shopping facilities. Access has also been improved with the installation of new lifts and escalators.

The improvements have been made to help the station accommodate rising passenger numbers, which are forecast to grow from 20 million now to 30 million by 2030.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Reading is at the heart of our rail network and it is great news that passengers can now start to enjoy the benefits of a bigger, brighter and better station."

An £895 million project is currently underway to rebuild the railway around Reading and remove a major bottleneck on the network. A new viaduct, which will cut delays and increase capacity, will be completed next spring - a year earlier than originally planned.