Barry Island has seen a surge in visitors, with more than 100,000 people catching the train there in July and August.

This marks a significant increase from 57,000 the previous year and is attributed to a timetable change, new trains and the return of a popular TV show.

The rise in visitor numbers came after the introduction of new four-carriage Class 231 trains to Barry and Barry Island following a timetable change in June.

The announcement in May that BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey would return for a final episode this Christmas also sparked a fresh wave of visitors to the area.

Marie Daly, Transport for Wales' chief customer and culture officer, said it was clear something 'quite special was occurring.'

She said: "The rise we’ve seen in people travelling down in Barry Island from this summer to last has been staggering.

"From our point of view, we’ve been able to move some of our brand-new trains down there, offering a significantly better experience and much more capacity than we’ve had before.

"And with Gavin and Stacey coming back for one last episode, it’s clear something quite special is occurring in the area.

"We’ll hopefully be doing our bit to mark the show’s influence in south Wales soon – watch this space."

Businesses in the area often attribute the "Gavin and Stacey effect" to boosting tourism to the town since the show first aired between 2007 and 2010.

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader, Councillor Lis Burnett, said: "The best part of any trip to Barry Island is often the train journey and the first glimpses of the coast.

"Recent visitors will have seen the huge changes to the town since the final series of Gavin and Stacey.

"The regeneration of the Island itself sits alongside the developments such as the Goodsheds and historic Pumphouse that complement the Waterfront development.

"With four stations, the brand-new trains are a perfect way to sample all the town has to offer."