A do not travel warning has been issued by a train operator for parts of East Lancashire this weekend.

Northern is warning customers to not travel on the line between Preston and Colne on Sunday, July 21.

This route runs through Nelson, Burnley, Accrington, and Blackburn, as well as smaller intermediate stops.

The other line affected by this warning is the route between Manchester Victoria and Chester.

There will be no trains on either of these routes and replacement bus services will not be provided.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Northern said the company relies on crews volunteering to work additional hours on Sundays and they have seen a reduction in train crew making themselves available on parts of the network.

The statement said: "Our performance and reliability have not been up to scratch in recent weeks and for that we have apologised. Our operational colleagues are working hard to keep journey planners up to date, but customers should check closer to the time of travel.

"We are actively managing higher levels of staff sickness, and on Sundays, which rely on crews volunteering to work additional hours, we have seen a reduction in train crew making themselves available on parts of the network.

"In addition, the ongoing industrial relations issues have their own impact.

"We are working hard with our colleagues and other train operators to improve service reliability.”

Information on the Northern website says routes around the North West may be subject to disruption and very short notice cancellations.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling, particularly last trains of the day which may be earlier than usual and may be cancelled at short notice.

Anyone who does travel should give themselves plenty of time and not rely on last services.

Refunds can be sought through Northern if your train is cancelled.