More trains will run on the Thameslink route to reduce commuter overcrowding during rush hour.

Thameslink serves the suburban railway stations of Mill Hill Broadway, Hendon and Cricklewood, running from Beford to Brighton via central London.

By December next year, 12 new trains will run on the line during peak periods, providing up to 8,000 extra seats a day.

Four of the 12 will be brought in before December this year, with the remainder in place by December next year.

The extra trains have been welcomed by a London transport watchdog. Brian Cooke, chairman of London TravelWatch, said he believed it will help tackle some of the overcrowding, but added: "It is a real shame that this will take to the end of next year to achieve - a more strategic approach to allocating the rolling stock might have solved this problem much, much earlier."

Hendon MP Andrew Dismore said: "While I welcome the improvements in recent years on the railways, I have been convinced that we needed to provide more capacity on the Thameslink line into London.

"Many people have told me of the problems they face commuting, and I have raised these issues with transport ministers directly.

"This is why I am delighted that the Government has made this announcement which will deliver extra seats.

"This is great news for all rail users, especially commuters using Mill Hill and Hendon stations."

The Thameslink service is run by First Capital Connect. Elaine Holt, the company's managing director, said: "This is fantastic news for our customers.

"We have always said that crowding is our biggest issue, and we have worked hard to secure these extra trains.

"We will work in partnership with the Department for Transport to implement a revised timetable to make maximum use of these additional trains in reducing overcrowding further, when we get all 12 units.

"Being able to strengthen many services will deliver real benefits to our Thameslink route customers by helping to reduce overcrowding."