Commuters’ journey into work was livened up when a train guard hosted an impromptu quiz.

The South West Train worker decided to entertain his passengers on the service to Waterloo, using the digital signs – which normally display the next stop – to reveal the answer.

The guard asked commuters what the old name for Teddington was and they later saw Tiedendtown flash up on the information screen.

Josh Anderson, a passenger, said: “A quick Google on the topic seems to reveal that the answer is wrong, though it is a common mistake. Still, it was an interesting journey.”

South West Trains and Network Rail said they did not know the identity of the mystery guard on the Basingstoke to Waterloo train on May 22.

Mr Anderson added: “The guard asked the question over the PA somewhere around Surbiton and teased that the answer would be revealed after the train got to Wimbledon.”

A spokeswoman for South West Trains and Network Rail said: “We know our passengers like to pass their time on the train in many different ways and we're delighted when our staff can contribute to our customers having an enjoyable journey.”