A SMARTPHONE app devised by north Essex commuters has gone live.

Train Refunds aims to help commuters claim hundreds of pounds back if they are affected by delayed trains.

The free app, which went live last week, works by sending registered season ticket holders a notification when they are due to be compensated for a late service.

It uses live timetable information to determine how late a specific train is.

For a one-off payment of 69p, the app also completes the paperwork required to get a refund.

The app is available to iPhone and Android phone users.