Rail passengers face paying hundreds of pounds extra for their annual season tickets next year.

From January, prices will rise by an average of 3.5 per cent, the Government has confirmed.

Colchester commuters travelling to London Liverpool Street could be forced to pay an extra £164 on top of the existing £4,680 for an annual ticket.

Regulated fares are determined by the Government, which allows train companies to increase price at a rate of inflation plus one per cent.

Next year’s prices were set after July’s retail price index was confirmed as 2.5 per cent.

Full story in tomorrow's Gazette