Virgin Trains has been awarded a new contract that will improve services on the West Coast Main Line.

The £35 million deal will run for two years and nine months, allowing the company to continue operating services between London, Scotland and Wales.

Under the new contract, 21 first-class carriages are to be converted to standard class, resulting in 5,500 extra standard seats per day across the network.

More than £20 million will be spent on modernising and enhancing stations, improving waiting rooms, seats and shelters.

The interiors of the Pendolino train fleet are to be refurbished at a cost of £2.5 million, while £2.75 million will be used to improve catering facilities.

In addition, free wi-fi is to be provided at stations and coverage will be improved across the fleet.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "This is further proof of our commitment to get the best deal for passengers and taxpayers with Virgin set to pay more than £430 million to run the franchise."