Rail services on several lines across Wales and the Borders will begin to close down early this afternoon (Thursday).

With ever increasing bad weather, heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures, Arriva Trains Wales said the decision has been taken to ensure the safety of customers and railway staff. This follows the Red extreme weather alert from the Met Office

Both Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail said they have been working very hard in difficult conditions across the network to keep people moving however added passengers should avoid travel this evening and make every effort to complete journeys as soon as possible.

The company said tickets for travel today will be honoured in the coming days and ticket acceptance has been arranged with other operators where possible.

Details of the amended timetable are as follows for the Cambrian Main line:

- The last westbound departure from Shrewsbury will be 15.30 Shrewsbury – Aberystwyth.

- The last eastbound departure from Machynlleth will be 15.30 Aberystwyth – Shrewsbury (16.08 from Machynlleth).

- Evening services between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth will operate as normal, as will Cambrian Coast services.