The transport minister, Theresa Villiers, has praised the hard work of local people and organisations in developing the local rail network in Cornwall.

Her comments follow a tour of Truro Station, which is undergoing a £500,000 renovation as part of the National Station Improvement Programme, due to be completed by the beginning of July.

Theresa Villiers MP said: "I am delighted to be able to announce that the Paddington to Penzance sleeper service will be included in the new franchise agreements.

 "Together with the improvements to Truro railway station, this will provide a great service to rail customers. The improvements in Truro represent a significant and welcome investment in rail travel in Cornwall.

“I was also delighted to see the hard work put into the Maritime Line by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the local community is paying off with a massive 91 per cent increase in passengers since 2007-8. This shows the value that local people and organisations can bring to developing the local rail network."

Since 2006 passengers numbers have increased by over 54 per cent on Devon and Cornwall branch lines and by 20 per cent in the last year alone for the Truro to Falmouth branch line.

Additional services have also been provided by First Great Western to meet rising demand. Working with Cornwall Council, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and local groups, it has added 650 seats on peak weekday services and 1,275 at weekends.