Rails service over the Christmas and new year period will be seriously disrupted by major engineering works on a large section of the railway network.

Operating company Southern said it will operate a revised service for travel in and out of London via Gatwick between Saturday December 23 and Tuesday, January 2.

The company said work between Redhill and Three Bridges will seriously affect rail travel. As a result special timetables and leaflets giving information will be available at all Southern staffed stations.

The leaflets will also contain information about alternative transport arrangements.

Details of all Southern's Christmas and new year services, including downloadable timetables and engineering work details, can be found at the website southernrailway. com/holidayservices.

Train times information can also be found at nationalrail.co.uk or by telephoning National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.