TRAVELLING by train today? - a number of services are operating at a reduced rate due to planned cancellations.

A Northern spokesman said a reduced service will run between Blackpool South and Blackburn.

Passengers can use an alternate service via Preston to Blackpool North or Blackpool South.

There are also reduced services from Manchester Victoria and Clitheroe.

However a replacement bus service between Salford Crescent and Clitheroe, serving all intermediate stations, will be available.

A Northern spokesman said: "Each week, we are having to adjust our Sunday timetable and as a result, our on-board crew rosters, on a small number of routes in the north west.

"There are several factors impacting on our ability to run these services, including engineering work and being able to match employees’ availability within their working agreements.

"We do not cancel services lightly and routes with cancelled Sunday service are chosen carefully to minimise the impact on customers.

"On each of the affected routes, our customers will have a range of alternative options available to them including other Northern services, trains run by other operators or rail replacement road transport.

"All routes with pre-planned cancellations are advertised via the Northern website each Friday.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our customers.

"Please check immediately before you travel."