Commuters using one of Sussex's main train operators are suffering the worst service in the country, according to a nationwide survey.

First Capital Connect, which runs trains from Brighton to Bedford via London, received a 71 per cent satisfaction rate - the worst in Britain.

This has slumped by five percentage points to its lowest since 2004 and the company which took over from Thameslink last year said it was working hard to improve the situation.

Southern, which runs trains from the South Coast and Brighton to London, fared better with an 82 per cent approval rate, three points than last autumn but two points up on spring 2006.

Southeastern, which is responsible for services from Hastings to the capital, recorded a 74 per cent satisfaction rate - three per cent down on last year.

Watchdog Passenger Focus interviewed more than 25,000 rail travellers during the National Passenger Survey, revealing that overall passenger satisfaction with rail journeys had fallen for the first time in three years, dropping two points to 79 per cent.

Of 31 criteria, the First Capital Connect service was found to have worsened in 28.

Fewer than a third of passengers on FCC trains said they were getting value for money, below the 40 per cent national average.

Shelley Atlas, of Brighton Line Commuters, said: "If people have the choice then they are taking Southern trains rather than First Capital Connect.

"People are having to stand for long journeys and there have been problems with punctuality.

"I am also writing to First Capital Connect about the number of trains which are terminating before Brighton.

"Each time a new operator takes over they say they are going to do something but it seems to be taking a long while."

First Capital Connect deputy managing director Andy Cope said he was disappointed by the results.

He said: "We have been working hard over the last 12 months to improve reliability, capacity and train and station facilities for our customers.

"We are very disappointed indeed by the overall drop in customer satisfaction in these most recent results.

"We always listen to what our customers tell us. We are acutely aware that for our customers the key issue is one of overcrowding and we have worked hard since we took over the franchise in April 2006 to find solutions to this issue.

"On our Thameslink route the announcement that we will be receiving the remaining 12 class 319 trains from Southern is also very welcome news for our customers.

"Also, on our Thameslink route there have been problems and we are aware significant improvements are required by both First Capital Connect and Network Rail."

Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "The train operators with the biggest drops in passenger satisfaction need to listen to their passengers and take action. We hope that this decrease is a dip and not the beginning of a trend."

Southern's results fell in most categories compared to autumn last year but the company scored well against the regional average.

Southern commercial director Jan Chaudhry said: "Providing a safe, punctual and reliable service continues to be a constant priority and we remain determined to deliver a service focused firmly on our passengers."

Southeastern also suffered setbacks in most areas. A spokeswoman said: "We are investing in improving all aspects of customer service for passengers."