DISRUPTION to train services between Oxford, Didcot and London due to signalling problems will continue during the afternoon peak period.

Passengers are being advised to check their trains are running before setting out to stations and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Problems began when a suspected lightning strike earlier this afternoon knocked out signals at Southall, in West London.

Network Rail engineers have now restored signalling on two of the four tracks through the area but are still trying to complete repairs on the other pair of lines.

As a result trains to and from London Paddington station are subject to delays and cancellations.

FGW tickets are being accepted on South West Trains services between London Waterloo and Reading, CrossCountry services between Reading, Oxford and Banbury and on Chiltern Railways trains between London Marylebone, Haddenham & Thame Parkway, Bicester North and Banbury.

Any customers who decide not to travel today can claim a full refund.

For the latest information, see the First Great Western website or call 08457 484950.