HUNDREDS of rail passengers from Yate joined in a ticket boycott this morning in protest at their train service.

About 300 commuters produced fare strike tickets to onboard inspectors over the three morning services towards Bristol.

They held the revolt in protest at carriage overcrowding, poor punctuality and a rise in prices in January.

It was part of a day of ticket boycotts organised by rail passenger campaign group More Train Less Strain (MTLS).

David Youell, aged 28, of Shire Way, Yate, organised the strike with a team of work colleagues.

He said: "We have been a bit overwhelmed too be honest with the support we have had from passengers.

"Almost everybody has picked up a fake ticket and decided to join in the protest.

"It just shows how many people are fed up with the service."

Hundreds joined in the protest despite warnings by First Great Western that people who took part could be subject to legal proceedings or a fine of up to £1,000.

Passengers were forced to purchase tickets when ticket barriers at Bristol Parkway and Temple Meads did not let them through.

Mr Youell said: "Our aim was to raise awareness of the problem, I believe we have achieved that.

"It was just a little disappointing they still made passengers pay at the end of the line."

First Great Western station manager Mark Heffernan was stationed at the ticket barriers at Bristol Parkway.

He told the Gazette: "We understood the protest was to raise awareness on behalf of passengers' service, not to save a day's train ticket fare.

"So for us, business is as normal. Anyone who comes to the barrier without a ticket is expected to buy one before coming through.

"I am glad to say there have been no problems as yet."