Free train offer for Air Southwest London passengers

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Passengers booked on Air Southwest's withdrawn London service have been offered alternative rail transport.
First Great Western (FGW) will honour tickets from Plymouth or Newquay after Air Southwest announced flights would stop at the end of January.
Customers can swap their ticket or booking confirmation for the equivalent first class or sleeper journey with First Great Western.
FGW said it was a gesture of support to local people and businesses.
Air Southwest, which was taken over by Eastern Airways in September, said it was cancelling its London Gatwick service from 1 February because the route was losing money.
'Local support' Following the announcement on Monday, FGW was approached by Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Business Council.
"We weren't asked to provide free transport, but they asked us if we had a response planned," an FGW spokesman told BBC News.
"So we had a look at the situation and our offer was driven by a desire to support both local people and businesses."
Tim Jones, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council said FGW's offer was "exceptional".
"This is more than generous and shows its genuine commitment to the local business community," he said.
"Losing the London Gatwick air route is a major blow and First Great Western should be thanked for recognising we're in a crisis and standing beside us."
Mark Hopwood, FGW's managing director, said more than 15 trains ran from Devon to Cornwall to London every day, with many journeys taking about three hours.
Sleeper demand "With hot, fresh food served on the majority of services, our trains between the South West and the capital offer great value for money," he said.
"We want to let people know there is a real alternative to air travel to the capital."
In July last year, FGW announced it was adding carriages to its "Night Riviera" sleeper train because of the increased demand for the Penzance to Paddington service.
Customers wishing to take up the offer should e-mail FGW's business travel with contact details and a copy of their Air Southwest ticket or booking confirmation.

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