I HAVE recently experienced two extremely unpleasant train journeys and write to hopefully avoid other readers experiencing the so-called service Virgin Trains offer.

My first trip to London in November involved a total of six hours in delays in overcrowded carriages. On the way, there was swearing, smoking and a fight in my carriage and no alternative seats available and the conductor never once came up the train to see if we were safe.

Last weekend, I travelled again hoping it could never be as bad again! We were over an hour late getting to London and the same again on the return.

Unfortunately, on the return trip we missed the last connecting train to Blackpool and, in between booking my ticket (which had specified times for allowed travel) and the date of travel, Virgin decided to change their times adding in to the timetable an hour to allow for delays.

Despite them having my contact details, I was never informed beforehand and no mention was made on the train.

On arriving at Preston at 00.46 (one hour late), my connection had gone and I approached the "customer care office." A very abrupt man spoke to me saying the train from London had been "retimed" and was not late in their book and so wouldn't do anything to help the passengers reach Blackpool.

We had two choices -- to pay for our own cab or wait until 02.15 for a night train from the airport. This meant arriving in Blackpool a total of 2.5 hours late!

His attitude was most unhelpful and despite our obvious upset it was, to him, our own fault. As he put it, "What do you expect when you travel at this time?" Erm, the timetable I booked my ticket from, which was stated as accurate at the time of booking (two weeks previously).

I strongly advise any potential travellers to avoid any pain and forget he train it really isn't worth it when you are treated like this. I have complained both times to Virgin but have yet to receive a reply.

STEVE MASON, Lambs Road, Thornton.