EARLY-morning commuters travelling between Blackburn, Clitheroe and Preston are facing a headache after a key service was axed.

Replacement bus services have been drafted in to replace the 7.19am Blackburn to Clitheroe and 7.56am Clitheroe to Blackburn services.

But they will have to battle their way through peak traffic, between the two towns, to get to their destinations.

Train operator Northern Rail said "operational difficulties" have led to the two services being cancelled.

The trains, which call at Ramsgreave and Wilpshire, Whalley and Langho stations, will be withdrawn until further notice.

Two buses will leave Clitheroe to compensate for the loss of the 7.56am service.

The first will call at all stations to Blackburn and the second will be an express route straight through to Preston.

Clitheroe services run either side of the 7.56am train.

From Blackburn to Clitheroe there is a 6.25am and a 7.48am service.