Rail minister Stephen Hammond has announced the intention to award the Essex Thameside franchise to the current operator c2c.

The 15-year deal will support the government's multi-billion pound investment in Britain’s railways.

c2c has committed to introducing a range of benefits costing around £160 million. These include an additional fleet of 17 new trains, providing almost 4,800 extra seats.

By the end of the contract, morning peak-time passengers will benefit from more than 25,000 additional seats.

There will also be free wi-fi, an enhanced compensation system and over £30 million invested in improving stations, including Fenchurch Street and Barking.

New targets for punctuality have been introduced, requiring more than 90 per cent of services to reach their destination within one minute of the timetable by December 2018.

Commenting on the award, Mr Hammond said: "It's further proof that our long-term economic plan is on track with the taxpayer getting more than £2 billion out of this deal."