LANCASHIRE train travellers looking to head across the Scottish border will face severe disruption for up to a week after flash floods hit the line which runs through Preston to Scotland.

A 25-yard stretch of line was damaged when floods washed out foundations to the line near Lockerbie over the weekend.

A spokesman for Railtrack said the track was in a difficult-to-reach area and a temporary road had to be built for workers and vehicles.

He said: "Gravel and other material was swept from under the line, leaving it suspended in mid-air. A pillar holding up a power line was also swept away and a stretch of embankment was damaged.

"It is going to take a long time to repair things.

"We expect the work to be complete by Wednesday or Thursday."

Over the weekend Virgin Trains advised passengers wishing to travel north of Carlisle or from Glasgow to the south and south-west of England to postpone their journeys.

Customers are advised to contact national rail inquiries on 0345 48 49 50 for details on rail services.

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