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

“With ever increasing bad weather, heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures, 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,” said a spokesman.

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

“Tickets for travel today will be honoured in the coming days and ticket acceptance has been arranged with other operators where possible,” he said.