FIRST Great Western will operate a special timetable this weekend because of essential Railtrack work to upgrade the network.

Customers planning to travel today and tomorrow are being urged to check their journey times.

Work between Slough and Paddington will mean a reduced service (hourly) to each of First Great Western's main destinations, South Wales, Bristol and the west of England.

Services from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads from tonight and all day on Sunday will be diverted via an alternative route, not calling at Chippenham or Bath Spa.

A replacement road or rail shuttle will run between these two stations and Swindon, connecting with services to Paddington.

Road transport will be provided between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa.

From late tonight until the early hours of Monday morning, engineering work will also be taking place between Exeter St David and Plymouth, with replacement road transport.

Rail services will continue to operate between Penzance and Plymouth and between Exeter St David and Paddington. Extra staff will be on hand to assist customers with heavy luggage or special needs.

Customers can check journey details by picking up a special booklet from stations or calling the National Rail Enquiries Service on 08457 484950.