A Suffolk market town, three nature reserves, and Sunday day-trippers between Norwich and North Norfolk, are set to benefit from an increase in rail services this summer.

A Suffolk market town, three nature reserves, and Sunday day-trippers between Norwich and North Norfolk, are set to benefit from an increase in rail services this summer.

Train operator One today announced more stops on the Bittern, Wherry, and Norwich-Cambridge lines, which will aim to boost tourist and commuter use.

The new summer timetable, which begins on Sunday May 20, will see the introduction of a new hourly Sunday service along the popular Bittern Line, between Norwich and North Norfolk, which increases the number of trains from seven to 13.

The expansion has been hailed by the rail company as “another significant vote of confidence” in the Norwich- Wroxham- Worstead- Cromer- Sheringham service, which has seen passenger growth approach 190pc since the establishment of a successful community rail partnership almost 10 years ago.

Clive Morris, business director for the One rural network said: “The introduction of the new hourly frequency of service is a massive vote of confidence for the Bittern Line. The service has gone from strength-to-strength over recent years and this virtual doubling of the service level will ensure that many more rail passengers can enjoy a day-out by train in North Norfolk this summer.”

Further One improvements, include the beginning of a new hourly service at Brandon, on the Norwich-Cambridge line.

An additional 33 stops will be included at the Norfolk-Suffolk border station during weekdays and weekends following a steady increase in passenger numbers, continued economic activity in the Breckland area, and a desire to provide a more attractive transport alternative to the A11.

Officials also hope to boost visitor numbers at three RSPB reserves in the region by introducing new Sunday services to two remote and sparsely used stations.

The train operator will run six stops at Lakenheath, on the Norwich-Cambridge line, for visitors to Lakenheath Fen and six additional stops at Buckenham, on the Norwich-Yarmouth/Lowestoft line for the RSPB's Buckenham Marshes and Strumpshaw Fen.

Chris Wood, transport partnership officer for the Widen the Choice Partnership, said: “This is excellent news and we will be doing all we can to promote the use of these services to improve access to the reserves and general access to the countryside around Buckenham and Lakenheath.”