Greater Anglia will continue to operate north Essex’s mainline trains until October 2016.

As part of a new contract agreed with the Department for Transport, the train operator has agreed to invest £20million in service improvements.

They will include:

• Power points, new carpets, new seat covers, better lighting and upgraded toilets on intercity services

• An enhanced Sunday service on the Marks Tey to Sudbury line

• More standard seats on weekday services Dutch company

Abellio was originally awarded the Greater Anglia franchise by the Government until July 2014, but its short-term agreement has now been extended.

Abellio Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles said: "We are passionate about further increasing performance and customer service standards, to deliver a better service on a more consistent basis.

"This agreement enables us to maintain the positive momentum we have generated over the last two years."