PASSENGERS vented their anger on railway staff after a train from Birmingham to Hereford was terminated at Ledbury on Tuesday afternoon.

Thirty passengers ranging from people in their 80s to mothers with small children were told the 2.43pm train from Birmingham - which was running half an hour late - could not complete its journey. The train returned to Birmingham.

"We were all just kicked off the train at Ledbury without any explanation. I thought the company had promised to stop this practice," said Graham Bridge, of Age Concern Leominster, who missed his connection from Hereford to Leominster.

Mr Bridge said voices were raised as angry passengers protested to the train driver and conductor. Schoolchildren awaiting the cancelled train's return journey were left in limbo at Hereford.

Birmingham-based Central Trains spokesman, Jed Burgess, said engine failure on another service made the crew of the 14.43 from New Street late. The train was turned round at Ledbury to avoid further delays on the single track.

"This is not happening as much as it once did, but sadly it's something we sometimes have to do as a last resort," said Mr Burgess.

Day return passengers would get compensation.