The service was under threat because a council subsidy could be withdrawn but First says the service will be retained beyond December 2006.

The service is being run until April by Wessex Trains who lost out on the Greater Western franchise to First.

Julie Boston from the Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) said she was "relieved" by the news.

She added the group would like to eventually see the frequency of trains increased.

FOSBR wants trains running to and from Temple Meads every 30 minutes.

Tim Bowcock from First Great Western said: "There's not a vast amount of change from the current timetable.

"There will be hourly services during the day and added services during peak time.

"We will have some train times tied more closely to London services."