Commuters on the c2c line could save up to £270 a year on their annual season ticket with a special interest-free loan offer.

The deal comes as the firm celebrates its 150th birthday and will last until Sunday, July 18.

But it has been branded by the Southend Rail Travellers' Association as just a peace offering for the company's decision to remove carriages from rush hour trains.

However, route director Leila Francis said: "Our previous birthday offer, a £1.50 fare, was a big hit. But we wanted to include fare deal for commuters too. The offer will hopefully encourage passengers currently purchasing their tickets on a weekly and monthly basis to take advantage of this scheme."

c2c claims the offer will save customers up to £270 a year on an annual ticket from Southend to Fenchurch Street can cost more than £2,500.

Season ticket holders who in the past have taken out bank loans at standard interest rates would be quids in with the six-week offer.

c2c carries 27,000 commuters daily and sells about 14,000 annual season tickets.

But a commuter spokesman today gave the idea a cautious welcome.

Peter Slattery, the co-chairman of the Southend Rail Travellers' Association, said: "It could be just a peace offering after the way we've been treated."

For more information on the offer visit www.c2c-online.co.uk or call 08457 678765.

Brought to you by the Evening Echo