ESSENTIAL engineering work by Railtrack will affect train services being run by First Great Western at the weekend.

Trains between London Paddington and Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa and Worcester Shrub Hill will start and terminate at Gloucester on Saturday up to 5pm. Road transport will operate between the stations north of Gloucester.

After 5pm, work will take place on the whole route between Swindon and Worcester, and coaches will replace the train services.

On Sunday, between Swindon, Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa, all trains will be replaced by road transport until 4pm. After this time, engineering work will carry on between Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa and road transport will replace trains on this section for the rest of the day.

Customers are advised to confirm their journey times by calling the National Rail Enquiry Services on 08457 484950 or www.national rail.co.uk.