Plans for a new discounted railcard for 26 to 30-year-olds will be trialled in East Anglia from next month.

Chancellor Philip Hammond confirmed proposals for the new railcard in the Budget as part of the Government's efforts to keep down the cost of living.

It is expected to operate on a similar basis to the 16-25 railcard which has been available in one form or another since 1974.

It currently costs £30 a year and entitles the holder to a third off the normal fare.

The railcard is being piloted in East Anglia by Greater Anglia from December 6 and there will be 10,000 digital railcards available as part of the trial. They will be available to buy online for those living within the Greater Anglia network, but can be used by those customers right across the country.

Greater Anglia says there will be a list of postcodes going up on the website for the trial when it goes live. There are currently around four million railcards in circulation.

Andy Camp, Greater Anglia commercial director, said: 'We're very happy to be taking part in this pilot.

'We're always looking for ways to make life a little easier for our customers. We know that many of our customers like the convenience of using their mobile phones as tickets, so this is a logical step forward for them - having a digital rail card and we're thrilled to be leading the way with this innovation.

'We already have a range of great value fares - and a 26-30 rail card is another way for customers to enjoy rail travel for less.'

The new discounted railcard is expected to launch nationwide in spring 2018.