Capacity on some of the UK's busiest commuter routes is to be boosted as a result of a deal for a fleet of new trains in the south-west.

The £210 million agreement, which has been announced by the government and South West Trains, will provide 150 new train carriages. This will create capacity for more than 24,000 additional peak-time passengers every day travelling into London Waterloo.

Siemens is expected to be awarded the deal by South West Trains, creating around 140 new jobs, as well as further opportunities for engineers, drivers, guards and maintenance staff. The first trains are scheduled to be introduced from 2017.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: "This latest train deal is proof not only of our determination to transform Britain's railways but also the industry's commitment to deliver better journeys for Britain’s passengers."

The capacity boost comes as part of a five year plan to improve services for passengers, developed by  the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance and the Department for Transport.