A NEW ticket vending machine has been installed at a railway station.

The equipment was installed at Colwall station, near Malvern, by London Midland as part of a bid to improve rail travel for customers.

Featuring contactless technology, the machines can also be used to collect tickets ordered online through the rail operator's 'Click and Collect' system.

Richard Brooks, commercial director at London Midland, said: "We are committed to making travel simple for everyone.

"Continuing to invest in the things that really matter to our passengers, and making it easier and quicker to buy tickets is just one of the ways we are improving the service we offer.

"The new ticket vending machines will allow passengers a more streamlined ticket buying process, enabling more people to be serviced during rush hour periods and improving out-of-hours ticket provision and collection."

The installation of 28 new ticket vending machines form part of a £15m investment by the train operator.

The final installation has now taken place at unstaffed Hartlebury station, near Kidderminster, which serves more than 50,000 passengers a year.

Other stations which have received new ticket machines include Cosford, Perry Bar, and Witton.