The first train in a fleet which is undergoing a £12 million refurbishment has been unveiled by Chiltern Railways.

The operator's Class 168 fleet is being modernised with features such as improved Wi-Fi, USB sockets, a full repaint, and an overhaul of the heating and cooling system, as well as fleet reliability improvements.

The investment has also seen an interior refurbishment in a bid to improve customer experience.

The first train to be fully refurbished is now serving customers travelling on the operator’s main line routes from London Marylebone between Oxford and Birmingham.

Chiltern said the improvements are part of its "mission to provide easier, greener, and better journeys for customers in the future".

The first refurbished train was unveiled during an event attended by rail partners, user groups, and Chiltern colleagues at London Marylebone station on Wednesday, October 9.

Guests were welcomed on the platform by a string quartet and a unique AI experience giving them a futuristic image of themselves with a background of the train.

A ribbon cutting also took place with Arriva UK Trains managing director, David Brown, Chiltern Railways managing director, Richard Allan, Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, and Porterbrook chief operating officer, Ben Ackroyd.

Mr Allan said: "Chiltern has a comprehensive vision and three-stage plan to modernise and decarbonise our railway for our customers and neighbours.

"The first part of the plan is to improve our existing trains with £12 million being spent on 85 carriages that were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

"The first train to benefit from that investment is now back in service following a refurbishment that means customers will experience new seat cushions and covers, new carpet, new lighting, better Wi-Fi and new plug sockets that include USB charging points.

"I am impressed with the end result and hope it is welcomed by customers."

Mr Ackroyd added: "The 168s are an excellent fleet and have been serving Chiltern passengers well since they were introduced.

"This refurbishment programme will ensure these trains continue to serve passengers comfortably and reliably for many more years to come.

"This significant milestone would not have been possible without a true partnership approach – congratulations to everyone involved in the project."

The diesel Class 168 trains were the first to be ordered when Chiltern was created as a standalone company in 1996, and the fleet entered service in 1998.

The most recent refurbishment work has been carried out at the Arriva TrainCare facility in Crewe.

The remaining Class 168 trains will be refurbished and ready for passenger service in the coming months.