RAIL operator Chiltern says it will run trains on Boxing Day, which could ease congestion at Bicester Village.

Trains will run between Bicester and London Marylebone.

It is hoped the move will cut the number of cars trying to enter Bicester Village on December 26.

Traffic clogging the town’s roads have been a problem for the past two Boxing Days.

People have abandoned cars on the A41 and parked on verges the length of Kings Avenue, into Chalvey Road and Ray Road, blocking residential roads.

But this year trains will run to and from Bicester North to London Marylebone from 8am to 8pm, the first train leaving London for Bicester at 8.15am, and the first train to the capital leaving Bicester North Station at 8.57am.

Traditionally trains do not run on Boxing Day.

The rail operator has also said parking at stations will be free for the day.

Thomas Ableman, commercial director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We know many people are itching to get out and about on Boxing Day, which is why we’re trialing a train service on part of our route this year. We anticipate the service will be popular with shoppers keen to snap up a bargain and football fans heading to the match.”