NEW track has been laid and signals put in place as work to extend the platforms at Oxford station begins to take shape.

The project to increase the capacity at the station, to allow trains to run between Oxford station and the new Oxford Parkway, is on course to be completed in December.

Network Rail workers can also be seen laying the foundations for the new platforms opposite the existing structures.

Earlier this summer, Network Rail workers demolished existing canopies and carriages which had stood at the station for more than 30 years to create space for the East West Rail service.

The first train to run from Oxford to Oxford Parkway and then beyond to London Marylebone is scheduled to leave the station on December 12.

A spring opening had originally been expected for the line but Chiltern Railways said problems getting planning consents were partly to blame for the six-month delay.