MPs and train users in Worcestershire are teaming up to call for better fares - amid claims passengers are being ripped off.

Earlier this month people travelling from Worcester to London found the prices soared up to 32 per cent after rail chiefs changed their fare strategy.

First Great Western launched new cheap tickets for people buying in advance but upped other rates, and decided to make return journeys from the capital to Worcester 'peak' trips from 4-7pm.

Worcester MP Robin Walker and Nigel Huddleston, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, are meeting with First Great Western bosses at Westminster today after complaints from passengers.

It has also angered regular commuters, some of whom say it will make their journeys unaffordable.

Worcester-based Tania Bassett, 38, a national press officer for NAPO, the trade union for probation and family court staff, spends around three days a week in London and says she's been left "dismayed".

She said: "I've got a Network Rail card that allows me to take £20 off each journey but the cost for me has gone up from £34 to £44 from Worcester to London.

"And 4-7pm is now classed as peak travel time, despite the fact I may get a train back at 6.20pm that doesn't get into Worcester until quarter to nine."

She added: "The very idea that catching a train at 6.20pm in London is classed as peak travel when it doesn't arrive at its destination until 8.45pm is ludicrous."

Ms Bassett added that by making the return journey 'peak' travel, it would effectively increase her open return ticket from £34 to £64, meaning she is having to now leave London earlier to avoid that sting.

Mr Walker, who says she is one of numerous commuters to contact him, said: "They'll say you can book two weeks in advance to take advantage of the cheaper tickets but how many people can do that.

"I'm making the point that this is a substantial increase, all it will do is encourage people to drive to Warwick Parkway or Birmingham."

A spokesman for First Great Western said its most popular "anytime fares" have remained the same.

He added: "The cost of an anytime return does not change.

"The sale of thousands of low-cost advance purchase fares, following requests from customers and stakeholders alike, will also introduce peak time fares for the first time - bringing the North Cotswolds in line with all other routes across the Great Western network."

He added that the changes meant 10,000 seats between the north Cotswolds and London can now be bought for just £10 every month in advance.