"Your new trains have arrived". Says the poster in big, proud letters at Burton On Trent station. And i'll tell you what, they ain't half right!! I had the pleasure to travel on one of the new Central Trains recently on a trip back from Sheffield and boy are these things good.

It is difficult to give an account of the speed capabilities of these trains as speed restrictions on the rail network at the moment are hampering this. However what I can comment in is the beautiful setup of the trains inside.

The seats are all brand new and incredibly comfortable, in the new Central Trains livery. These seats are just as comfortable as the seats on a Virgin Cross Country train and yet Central Trains are a regional service, with shorter journey times so you don't expect lavish seating. All seats have arm rests and a large number are set with tables.

Another new addition is the addition of wheelchair and pushchair areas which will increase the accessibility to the trains and will please a large number of people, including myself, to help out young mothers and those in a wheelchair.

These trains also contain an interesting inclusion, that of a toilet. You may be suprised to hear this, but I have never before seen toilets on regional trains, and yet there is one on these Central Trains. This is a great thing, especially when you see them, all incredibly clean and comfortable. All have electronically operating doors too.

Unfortuanately Central Trains aren't the most punctual and have had some bad experiences with them, although latest figures show that they are improving this. Their fares aren't too bad although not the cheapest in the country.

Overall they are certainly improving and are now well worth a go so go on and give up your car for a day, you'll be glad you did.