Rail company c2c has confirmed that its popular "old" timetable will be reintroduced on Monday.

The schedule will replace the rail company's new timetable, which has been scrapped less than a month after its introduction after being plagued by problems.

Thousands of angry commuters had called for the move after the new timetable, introduced on December 11, was hit by delays, cancellations and overcrowded trains.

Following a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, c2c bosses decided to bite the bullet.

Managing director Mark Hopwood said: "The peak timetable introduced on December 11 has not been well received by many of our customers and we feel it is right to withdraw it and to revert to the previous timetable at the earliest possible opportunity.

"We are sorry many of our customers have been upset by the recent changes and we are responding to their concerns by reverting to the old timetable."

The weekday 4.20pm and 6.22pm departures from Fenchurch Street to Stanford-le-Hope via Ockendon will be extended from four to eight carriages.

The company has decided to retain its new weekend timetable, which includes new through trains to Southend via Ockendon.

Commuters have welcomed the decision.

Laindon Passengers' Action Group spokeswoman Sarah Lockett said: "I did not know one person who liked the new timetable. We are just grateful the old timetable is back."