The group had argued for the retention of the morning peak commuter service into Exeter Central from Barnstaple - something that has now been agreed by First Great Western, which are taking over the Wessex Trains franchise this year.

The company has also agreed in principle to retain the full service at Umberleigh Station, which is growing in popularity as a convenient rural railhead, and also to examine how the stations at Copplestone and Yeoford can best be served throughout the day.

Furthermore, the evening 20.56 departure from Exeter is also likely to be retained, thus ensuring many long distance travellers have a good onward connection.

The importance of trains serving Exeter Central as well as St David's was also recognised.

According to the group, First Great Western is content with all these changes and will be seeking approval for them from the Department for Transport.

Group chairman John Phillips said: "I think everyone will agree that this is good news all round.

"We are also hopeful that when they have looked at the usage figures provided by Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, an extra mid-morning service will be judged to be commercially viable thereby retaining a service of 12 trains per day in each direction."

The good news comes after a consultation period for the proposed changes - which sparked thousands of responses from rail users - ended last Wednesday.

Alison Forster, of First Great Western, said: "Timetable experts will analyse feedback and make timetable changes over the next three months.