Network Rail has announced it is to invest £38 billion in the UK network.

The five-year plan is aimed at providing passengers with more trains, seats and bigger, better-equipped stations. The organisation also claimed it would look to tackle the problem of congestion.

Over 850 miles of the network will be electrified as part of the scheme, while residents of the north will benefit from shorter journey times and an increase in the number of daily services. In addition, a further 500 level crossings will be closed, in an attempt to improve safety on the railway.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, commented: "We all want an improving, safer, successful and better value railway for everyone, and that is what we will do."

The organisation also announced the line at Dawlish will be reconnected to the network on April 4th, following two months of work to repair the track that was damaged by a landslide during the severe weather.