SINCE privatisation the task of sorting out rail fares in this country has become an incredibly complex matter.

Journeys can now involve several different rail operators each with their own fare structure and timetable.

Add to that the fact that there can be several alternative routes for some trips and the kaleidoscope of different types of ticket and there is plenty of room for confusion.

So perhaps it wasn't too surprising to discover that Virgin have been charging the equivalent of up to £50 for first-class travel from Blackburn, Accrington or Clitheroe to Preston when there are no first class seats and the normal fare is only £5.

The journeys - to big cities like London, Birmingham and Edinburgh - take place using another operator, First North Western Trains, to get to the West Coast main line at Preston from various East Lancashire towns.

Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Department began an investigation when we pointed out the discrepancy and it is to their credit that Virgin didn't bluster when it was highlighted to them.

They have reacted swiftly to cut fares and apologise for the anomalies which they blamed on the complexity of the system.

All they need to do now is get the trains to actually run on time. . .