First Great Western has revealed it will not renew its current franchise in the South west.

The company is due to extend its contract to run local rail services by another three years in 2013, but has decided against this - they will instead bid for a longer franchise.

The company says it hopes the bidding process will be completed in time so that there is no gap in rail provision for passengers.

They say they feel they are best placed to deliver some of the major projects proposed by the government, such as the new Intercity express trains, through a longer contract.

First Great Western says it's confident services will improve and that they are in talks with developers about reopening the line to Tavistock and improving the rail links to London.