Water dispensers are being installed in train stations in an effort to combat plastic bottle pollution, litter and waste.

South Western Railway is putting the filtered water vending machines in to Richmond, Wimbledon and Vauxhall, following a successful trial at Hampton Court station.

The machines are operated by ape2o and charge 25p for each half-litre of chilled and filtered water, with 10% of sales donated to marine and freshwater conservation and clean-ups.

There are plans to roll-out the machines to other stations across London, along with other locations in the capital and overseas.

The system allows travellers to use their own containers, so reducing the need for plastic bottles, or they buy stainless steel plastic-free ape2o bottles.

The founder of ape2o, Anthony Newman, said: "We've already saved more than 150,000 plastic bottles from ending up in oceans and landfills with our current machines.

"Our partnership with SWR will now help us to reach millions more passengers, showing them how ditching the plastic can be a force for good.

"We bring the same trusted benefits as bottled water such as convenience, purity, and hydration, but without the plastic and at a fraction of the cost."

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Machines have also been installed at London Zoo and a shopping centre near St Paul's Cathedral.

Head of Sustainability at SWR, Amy Dickinson, said: "We're committed to supporting the Less Plastic Pledge through reducing and recycling waste and providing solutions to our customers that help them make sustainable choices.

"Working alongside companies like ape2o helps to encourage all of us to think more sustainably for the future of our planet."

While offering filtered water via the machines is a step forward in tackling plastic waste, local councils are taking steps to increase access to free water through the renovation of drinking fountains and partnerships with businesses, such as coffee shops.