NEW trains will shortly be making an appearance on the c2c route through Basildon.

Driver training has begun following the arrival of the first two trains of the company's new Aventra 720 fleet.

Eventually there will be 12 of the new Aventra 720s, which offer more seating and are "open gangway"-style which allows customers to walk between carriages more easily, in service.

They also boast dedicated cycle stores, power and USB ports for every seat, WiFi, improved passenger information screens, and toilets.

Company MD Rob Mullen said: "We are pleased to have taken delivery of the first new Class 720 trains.

"These units will now go into driver training to get our teams ready for their introduction to service.

"We are looking forward to offering our customers increased capacity on the c2c route with these brand-new trains. 

"This is the first of the 12 five-carriage Class 720 units we are due to receive."

The trains had originally been scheduled to enter operation in 2024, but the rail firm managed to accelerate that date.

The firm's order of 60 carriages will add capacity for more than 5,000 more passengers to c2c's current fleet.