Rain causes railway mudslide and travel disruption

Northern said the debris had disrupted services

Northern mudslide on track — Northern said the debris had disrupted services

A mudslide has covered a railway track between Lancashire and Yorkshire as heavy rain causes travel disruption.

It was found when a Lancaster to Leeds service encountered problems on the line near Bentham, rail operator Northern said.

Rain has led to other travel problems in England and Wales and some outdoor events have been cancelled.

There are 20 flood warnings across England and two flood warnings for Wales.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across England and Wales from 18:00 BST until 17:00 on Sunday.

Coastal areas of England and Wales may have gales and are at risk of flooding

PA Media Waves at Porthcawl — Coastal areas of England and Wales may have gales and are at risk of flooding

Meteorologist Alex Burkill said areas such as Devon and Cornwall could see coastal gales of up to 50mph.

"We have got a deep area of low pressure that will bring heavy and persistent rain, and strong winds too," he said.

'Track covered'

Rail services between Lancaster and Skipton, which have been cancelled following the mudslide, are unlikely to resume before Sunday morning, Northern said.

Rail replacement services are being arranged, but commuters are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra time for travel.

"The mud has completely covered the track in both directions meaning we cannot run trains between Lancaster and Skipton," a spokesman said.

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Trains between Blackpool North and Preston, towards Bolton, were suspended due to flooding at Adlington, Lancashire.

Services between Machynlleth and Newtown, Powys, on the Birmingham to Aberystwyth route, were also disrupted by flooding

A horse race meeting at Haydock in Merseyside and Sunday's inaugural Regatta London race, which was due to take place on the River Thames, have been cancelled.