Train services between Worcester and Bristol via Cheltenham will have extra carriages to cater for more travellers during the Cheltenham Festival.

More than 45 trains, providing thousands of train seats, will be available every day of this year’s festival.

Great Western Railway (GWR) will add carriages to existing services as they aid thousands of racegoers to reach the internationally acclaimed festival, which kickstarted on March 12 and culminates with Gold Cup Day on March 15.

A queuing system will be in place at Cheltenham Spa Station for the return journey during the festival to ensure everyone boards the train safely.

Cheltenham Spa station manager Ben Scott said: "We can't wait to welcome racegoers back again this year.

"It is fantastic that so many people choose to make a day of it and travel by train.

"Just remember, however, that as a result our trains will be really busy.

"To help ease congestion through the station, please do buy the connecting bus ticket before you arrive.

"For the return journey, a queuing system will be in place to help people safely board trains, so please give yourself a little extra time to get home and check the time of your last train home - certainly if coming from further afield."

To ensure a smooth onward journey, racegoers are advised to pre-purchase Stagecoach Racecourse shuttle bus tickets either at their departure station or on board the train.

Eight trains from London Paddington/Swindon will reach Cheltenham by 12.31pm.

In the evening, the same number of trains will depart for London Paddington between 5.30pm and 10.30pm.

Early departure options are also available for those wishing to beat the rush.

More than 100,000 are expected to use Cheltenham Spa station during the festival, although ticket sales are down this year.