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The largest-ever rail enhancement scheme in Wales has moved another step closer to completion as Network Rail switches on a brand new signalling system to control trains between Cardiff and the Rhymney valley.

A new collaboration has been announced today which will oversee the project to allow fast train services to operate between Oxford and London Marylebone. The first services are expected to start in two years time.

Network Rail Wales/Cymru today welcomes its new intake of 12 apprentices. Ten of the apprentices are from the south Wales valleys and have been recruited following a targeted campaign to attract more people from across the M4 corridor, including the valleys - in readiness for the electrification of the railways in the area.

The latest project to upgrade and modernise the railways of Wales and the border counties of England is now underway with a £10.5m investment to improve the railway between Wrexham and Shrewsbury.

Rail staff and community volunteers are out in force this week to spruce-up the surroundings of the developing station at Energlyn and Churchill Park in Caerphilly.

- £33m investment to improve railway structures on the Western route and to boost jobs and economies
- 135 jobs already created from this package of work
- £280m of work to businesses in the south west of England last year; 17% of the money to small to medium-sized businesses

• 177 people slipped, tripped or fell at Paddington station in the year
• More incidents occurred at Paddington than at any other railway station in London
• Campaign reminds passengers to take extra care when they travel home