Great Western Railway off-peak day fares in Devon and Cornwall are set to rise by five per cent on Sunday (11 June).

The train operating company said the hike is designed to "help manage shifts in customer demand" and ensure "a sensible financial return" for the government.

A GWR spokesperson said: "From 11 June, off-peak day fares within Devon and Cornwall, including fares to/from Taunton, are increasing by five per cent.

"This is designed to help manage shifts in customer demand and encouraging travel on quieter trains, while ensuring we are generating a sensible financial return for government.

 "As part of the current National Rail contracts, all revenue is returned to government and train operators are paid a fixed management fee.

"The Devon and Cornwall railcard continues to offer one third off all standard class anytime or off-peak tickets to local residents, for journeys not starting before 8.45am which are wholly within Devon and Cornwall.

"And off-peak fares still offer a significant discount against anytime fares."

Strike action has been affecting rail services to and from Dawlish since June last year.