Passengers are being warned to check before they travel on the trains over Christmas and New Year.

Northern has warned of possible staff shortages over Christmas while, over the weekend before New Year, large-scale works will start at Mirfield Railway Station, causing disruption.

Trains between Huddersfield and Leeds will be diverted or replaced by buses on Saturday December 30 through to Monday January 1.

As part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, work will start on Mirfield Station involving the laying of 663 metres of new track, extensions to the station platforms and the building of a new footbridge.

Passengers are being asked to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries.

While the upgrades take place, Station Road will be closed from Lowlands Road to Back Station Road. Diversions and signage will be in place.

The work at Mirfield Station will bring longer platforms, a new footbridge, additional waiting shelters and step-free access via lifts.

Gareth Hope, sponsor for the TransPennine Route Upgrade, said: “These upgrades are a vital part of our wider programme of work, and I’d like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding while they take place.

“We understand how important the festive period is for people seeing family and friends, so we have worked closely with our train operating colleagues to keep people on the move.

“I’d encourage anyone travelling by train to plan their journey ahead of time and check National Rail Enquiries for the latest information.”

Work to start this week on internal modernisation of Huddersfield Railway Station

Meanwhile, Northern has issued travel advice to rail passengers. The train operator expects to run a normal timetable on December 21 and 22 but disruption can be expected on December 23, 24 and 27. There are no Northern services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Unfortunately, customers travelling immediately before and after Christmas should expect disruption.

“This is due to limited train crew availability in some areas. We strongly advise customers to ‘check before you travel’ on those days.”