SOUTH Western Railway has confirmed it will start coordinating ferry and train times to help residents get on and off the Isle of Wight.

The firm's senior managers told Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely they would work with Red Funnel and Wightlink to sync timetables with the Island line and mainland services.

It will come into force when SWR establishes new timings for the Portsmouth and Southampton lines.

There is already some integrated public transport, such as buses waiting for the Red Jet service from West Cowes to Southampton.

Mr Seely said: "I am very pleased SWR is leading on this and is making this commitment to make lives easier for Islanders.

"It's real progress from SWR and I hope the ferry companies will also work to achieve the improvement. It is long overdue, in my view, but better late than never."

The consultation process for future investment in Island Line closes on December 31 and Mr Seely has encouraged everyone to submit their views.