The number of trains running late across Sussex has risen - and leaves on the line are being blamed.

Nationally, one in five trains is still running late and passenger train companies' performance is getting worse.

Official figures from the Strategic Rail Authority released today show that overall 80.5 per cent of trains ran on time in the first three months of this year, compared with 80.9 per cent the year before.

All the main operators in Sussex showed drops in punctuality.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling admitted today's performance figures were "disappointing" but insisted improvements were on the way.

He said fares would have to rise to pay for the necessary investment.

According to today's figures, South Central's punctuality dropped from 81.1 per cent last year to 75.9 per cent. Thameslink's fell from 75.7 per cent to 72.1 per cent.

On Connex South Eastern, 79.7 per cent of trains ran on time, down from 84 per cent the year before.

Gatwick Express's punctuality fell from 84.1 per cent to 80.1 per cent and the figure for South West Trains was 72.2 per cent, down from 71.2 per cent.

A South Central spokesman said: "Some of the weather conditions were particularly bad this year, which contributed a lot to the problems.

"We get seasonal conditions during this time every year but there were particular problems this year with leaf fall and a landslide at Coulsdon in January.

"All those factors have to be taken into account, but we do apologise for any inconvenience and we are working hard to improve performance."

South Central also exceeded the SRA-set overcrowding thresholds, as did Silverlink and Thameslink.

Despite the delays and the increased complaints, the proportion of passengers satisfied with their journeys rose from 72 per cent to 74 per cent.

Strategic Rail Authority chairman Richard Bowker said 79.2 per cent of trains had run on time in the 12 months ending March 2003 - a one per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

He added: "This is an improved performance but clearly there is still a huge amount to do."