High-speed trains after takeover

The company also say they will minimise delays at Reading

New 125mph trains between the Thames Valley and London have been promised, after it was confirmed that a takeover bid would be allowed to go ahead.

The Office of Fair Trading approved the bid by First Group - which already runs Great Western Trains - for Thames Trains on Friday.

It paves the way for a much-expanded Great Western franchise area in the region, to be bid for from 2006.

But First Group have been told they are the preferred bidder.

They have promised to improve services, introducing 125mph trains between Newbury, Maidenhead, Slough and London.

Their plans also include timetable changes to try and minimise delays and disruption at Reading station.

Thames Trains will be no more from 1 April.