SOUTH Essex train operator c2c has apologised to commuters for a recent "slip in standards" by offering season ticket holders up to £20 cash back.

It is just the second time in the last decade that the operator has offered a refund of this kind.

Julian Drury, c2c managing director, said: "We want to say sorry to our loyal season ticket holders, who will have noticed more delays recently than they are used to from c2c.

"We know we can’t give customers their time back, but we can give them some money back, which is why we’re making this offer."

All monthly and annual season ticket holders can receive the equivalent of a day’s fare back in cash – over £20 for those travelling the longest distance – by registering on the c2c website.

Mr Drury added: "This has only happened once before in the past decade, following the impact of the St Jude storm last October.

"Going forward we want to return to the standards we set in establishing c2c as the UK’s most punctual train operator."

Passengers with monthly or longer season tickets can simply register online by clicking here.

They will then be sent a letter with details of how much they can claim from their local ticket office.

The offer is in addition to any potential future refunds provided under c2c’s Passenger’s Charter, which is set by the Government and measures performance across the whole year.

Passengers with daily or weekly tickets are already eligible for a refund on any specific journeys they have been delayed on.