A train station got an early Christmas present when money was promised this week to improve access to its platforms and trains.

Ewell West station is among 26 stations that will share £60 million of Government funding to improve access for elderly and disabled passengers.

It is not yet known how much of this pot of money will go to Ewell West or exactly what changes will be made to the station by 2019.

But the announcement was greeted as a victory by Brian Angus, chairman of the Ewell Village Residents’ Association, who has campaigned for better access there.

He said: "We are obviously delighted and when we meet this evening for our monthly meeting champagne will be served."

He and cyclist Kim Nash have campaigned for either a ramp or an approximately £400,000-tunnel to replace treacherous steps up from Gibraltar Recreation Ground onto a 155-year-old railway bridge.

"We asked the right questions at the right time," Mr Angus said. But it is unclear whether this particular problem will be resolved as part of the work to improve accessibility at the station.

Jenny Saunders, head of stations for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, hailed the funding boost as "great news" for the station and its users.

A spokesman added: "The main problems at present are transferring between the two platforms and access to London bound trains. We intend to improve those issues."

A footbridge, with steps, currently joins the two platforms at the station.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: "These improvements will make a real difference to passengers - from those with limited mobility, to people with heavy luggage or parents with prams."

Other campaigners are also demanding step-free access at Stoneleigh station which has 101 steps and is described as a virtual no-go zone for the elderly and disabled.

Councillor Mike Teasdale, who represents Stoneleigh on Epsom Council, welcomed the funding for Ewell West and said it would spur them on in their own campaign.

Coun Teasdale said: "Good luck to them. It’s a great benefit to all travellers and all residents. We will do all we can to ensure funding eventually also comes to Stoneleigh."