Passengers using First Great Western, Oxfordshire's main train operator, are the most dissatisfied in the country, say railway watchdogs.

Only 74 per cent were happy with their journeys, but Chiltern Railways' customers are among the most satisifed, giving it a 90 per cent approval rating, placing it second in the national rankings.

The survey was carried out by independent rail watchdog Passenger Focus last autumn.

Nationally an average of 81 per cent of passengers were satisfied with their journeys, the score achieved by Virgin CrossCountry, which handed over its franchise to Arriva after the survey was carried out.

Earlier this week, FGW said it would double compensation payments to passengers for delays and would freeze ticket prices for the rest of the year because of poor performance by its services.

Meanwhile, Chiltern announced on Monday that it was set to be sold to the German state rail company Deutsche Bahn.