GWR, with headquarters in Swindon, runs services linking London to the south-west of England and South Wales. It is expected to return to public ownership on December 13.

A spokesperson for the operator said they would continue to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT).

GWR operates and manages Oxford’s railway station, where Network Rail is staging a multi-million pound revamp and is planning a new western entrance.

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Great Western Railway spokesman John Carter said: “We welcome the clarity provided by Friday’s announcement and will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport as we move into public ownership.

 “Throughout this process, our priority will be maintaining a punctual, reliable service for customers while continuing to support regional growth and connectivity across our network.”

Dave Richardson of Railfuture (Image: Contributed)

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for campaign group Railfuture, said: “We welcome any reform of how our railways are run that would lead to simpler and better value fares, which is part of the Great British Railways initiative.

“Bringing together GWR and the part of Network Rail responsible for its routes would also be welcome if it would deliver a more reliable railway.”

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The DfT described the move as a “significant moment”, adding it would place passengers, rather than shareholders, “at the heart of our railways”.

GWR’s services, which run from Taunton, Bristol, Gloucester and other major stations across the West and South Wales, will come under the control of the government’s new Great British Railways organisation.

GWR has been running trains across the south west of England for 20 years. The line it uses was built between Bristol and London by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1841.

Several rail operators are already publicly owned, including Greater Anglia and South Western Railway.

Rail services in Wales were nationalised in 2021 and Scotland took trains into public ownership the following year.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander warned last year that renationalising train services would not necessarily result in lower fares.

The focus will instead be on improving services and infrastructure.

The legendary cook was a judge on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off between 2010 and 2016 before it left for Channel 4.

She has lived in Henley, in the south of Oxfordshire, with her husband, Paul Hunnings, since 2019.

The cook, 91, received the Academy’s highest honour for her exceptional contribution to television on Sunday.

Dame Mary Berry holding her BAFTA award (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Speaking to Bafta red carpet host Roman Kemp as she arrived at the ceremony, she said of the fellowship: “I always think about directors and actors and actresses getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured.

“I’m immensely honoured to join those wonderful people who already won it, it’s amazing.”

On stage, she added a thank you for her late son William, who died in a car crash in 1989.

The TV legend said: “William is in heaven, but I thank him [too].”

Fans have rallied around Dame Mary following her award.

One said on social media: “Mary Berry at the BAFTAs speaking about her son was exactly the kind of moment telly needs more of. Real, devastating, human. That’s what made it powerful.”

Another said: “Congratulations, so happy for Dame Mary Berry. She is such a Queen and so well deserved.”

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While a third added: “Love the friendship between Mel, Sue and Mary Berry. It was wonderful to see Mary win the fellowship award. Truly a national treasure.”

Dame Mary began her television career on Collector’s World in Bristol, where she prepared Victorian-era dishes.

She said: “I started off on Collector’s World, in Bristol.

“I had to make cow’s udder pie and all sorts of Victorian dishes, and I didn’t really enjoy that, and I moved on to other things.”

She added: “In Bake Off, I wanted to get everyone baking and cooking, and I think I was quite kind.”

Antonio Marraffa, 30, is wanted for a recall to prison for poor behaviour and offending since being released from custody.

He is known to visit Oxford city centre and Abingdon town centre and, as well as the Littlemore and Rosehill area.

Mr Marraffa is described as a white man, around 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build, with blue eyes, a broken nose, short dark hair and a wispy moustache.

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Thames Valley Police warns to not approach and call 999 if he is spotted instead. 

It said: “If you have information as to his whereabouts then please add it to our online reporting page quoting reference 43260216207.”

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.