RAIL chiefs have poured scorn on claims it is not doing enough for students commuting to school, by saying a cut-price fare scheme is already in place.

It comes after Malvern Hills District Young People's Forum said it was again lobbying First Great Western - which runs services through the town - to see if it will offer reduced fares for 16 to 18 year-olds.

The forum first lobbied First Great Western over the issue last September, at a meeting involving rail companies and Malvern Hills District Council.

It was invited to work with the council as the local authority's scrutiny committee was carrying out a review of trains serving the town.

"I think it's great the forum is taking the initiative to go and lobby the railways and the bus companies itself," said Councillor Serena Croad - a member of the forum's steering group.

But First Great Western's communications manager Tim Bowcock said a cut-price scheme for student travel was already on offer through Central Trains in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council.

"There is a scheme but students may feel they haven't been sufficiently informed about it," he said.

"If there is a reason for us to look at it again, then clearly that is something we would do."

However, Malvern Hills District Council's democratic services officer Alison Buttle said the forum would still be looking at improving youngsters' knowledge of what was available to them.

Councillor Croad said the initiative was one of several the young people's forum was exploring - with a gig in Malvern for local bands also on the cards for later this year.

The event is aimed at showcasing the town's musical talent while also raising the forum's profile.

The forum's steering group is due to meet shortly to discuss progress.

Elections to the forum are also set to take place later this year.