CENTRAL Trains, which operates train services through Malvern and Ledbury, say the number of passengers using their trains have doubled in some areas during the fuel crisis.

Spokesman Gerard Burgess said the company had enough fuel in stock to run a full service until tomorrow (Saturday).

"But we're confident we will get more fuel deliveries to prolong our service beyond that," he said.

Thames Trains spokesman Mike Lamport said: "We've got enough fuel to last us until after the weekend and we intend to maintain a full service. The only caveat is that our drivers and other staff have to get to work as well, and that may be a problem, especially over the weekend.

"But we intend to run a full service."

John Goldrick, Ledbury's stationmaster, said: "Tuesday was four times busier than usual and we rapidly ran out of what programmes we had.

"But Tilley's in Ledbury printed 500 free of charge, to tide us through; which was jolly decent of them.

"So far, the railways have coped well."