AN ICONIC Kidderminster landmark was lit up orange by a train operator to highlight a £1billion commitment to improve rail services.

Kidderminster folk might have noticed the statue dedicated to famous son Sir Rowland Hill – which stands outside the Town Hall – was illuminated in the brand colour of West Midlands Railway.

The company lit up a number of landmarks in the region as a reminder to passengers about the railway links across the Midlands.

Other landmarks that underwent the same treatment of the statue include the New Art Gallery in Walsall and Coventry’s Lady Godiva.

West Midlands Railways investment package promises a £700 million investment in new and refurbished trains; £70 million into new and existing depots to improve train reliability; 20,000 extra seats for rush hour passengers in Birmingham and standing room for 50,000 more commuters in new, metro style carriages.

Additionally, passengers across the region will benefit from more late night and Sunday services and more services to London from Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said: “In the months and years ahead, passengers in the West Midlands will see significant changes as a result of us having a truly regional rail franchise.

“As well as the investment in more trains, new stations and new metro style carriages, people will become more aware of the brand identity as we continue our public transport revolution.

“We are gradually moving towards shared West Midlands identity for the different modes of transport - rail, buses and cycling - integrated together, as has been the case in London for some time."