Replacement buses will cover a large stretch of Cornwall's railway next week while improvements are made to the track.

It means that services throughout the whole of the county will also be affected, with reductions in the number of trains on the main line.

Great Western Railway said that amended train services and replacement buses would help to "keep people moving" while Network Rail undertakes track work in the Redruth area between Monday, December 13 and Thursday, December 16.

Buses will replace trains from Truro to Penzance throughout this period, with buses also running between St Erth and St Ives from next Tuesday to Thursday.

Services will still run on the Falmouth branch line but up to ten minutes earlier than usual.

GWR is asking those intending to travel during this period to plan ahead and check journey times before travelling.

Mark Chorley, GWR regional station manager for the west, said: “We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, and replacement buses where trains cannot operate.

“This work is important to ensure we can continue to maintain and improve rail services and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Where the main line remains open, amended train services will operate through Cornwall towards Plymouth, with roughly one train per hour in each direction.

Long-distance services from London Paddington to Devon and most of Cornwall will continue to operate. Replacement buses will connect with trains, adding up to 50 minutes to journey times. Some train departure times will also be changed, and passengers are advised to check beforehand.

Lee Hildreth, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “We thank passengers in advance while we carry out these vital upgrades across Cornwall and remind them to check before they travel.

“The improvements represent further investment in the railway in Cornwall following recent signalling upgrades in the South West.”

In line with the latest Government advice, GWR is encouraging customers to:

• Wear a face covering

• Wash your hands more regularly

• Buy tickets online, on a smart card or by using the GWR app