Whitton train station is set to get a new footbridge and lifts as part of a £3 million upgrade.

A smarter entrance, larger booking hall and new platform canopies are the other improvements due to be completed there in time for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Today's announcement by Richmond Council follows a long-running campaign for disabled access at the station , which is likely to be used by many thousands of rugby fans travelling to Twickenham Stadium next summer.

Richmond Council and Network Rail will each contribute £450,000 towards the work to the entrance, ticket hall and platforms.

The remaining £450,000 will come from the Rugby Football Union, as part of its section 106 planning contribution for the new South Stand at Twickenham Stadium.

The cost of the new footbridge and lifts is due to be met using a Big Lottery Fund Access for All grant of between £1.4m and £1.6m, for which Network Rail and South West Trains are making a joint bid.

Richmond Council is set to confirm its portion of the cash at a cabinet meeting next Monday, July 21, subject to matched funding from Network Rail and the RFU.

Richmond Council's cabinet member for environment, Councillor Pamela Fleming, said: "The council has already made a big investment in transforming Whitton High Street and residents have been calling for improvements to Whitton Station for a long time.

"It is an important railway station in its own right for commuters, and for matches and events at Twickenham Stadium.

"It is critical that the borough is completely prepared for next year's Rugby World Cup and these proposals will certainly make a big difference."

Redlees Park in Isleworth is set to host a Rugby World Cup festival during the competition next summer, with games being shown on a big screen.