Train passengers are facing big problems in the Pennines.

Engineers have discovered serious rail problems in the Standedge Tunnel and it has had to be closed to all traffic.

That means all Northern Rail and TransPennine services using the tunnel have had to be replaced by buses.

A fleet of buses and coaches is being used to ferry passengers between Huddersfield and Greenfield, and to stations along the line.

Engineers from Network Rail have been called in and are working at the Tunnel, which carries the lines deep between the Pennine hills.

Standedge Tunnel

The problem was discovered shortly before 11.30am and trains were halted.

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “It sounds to be a major problem and engineers are now on site.

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“We are using buses between all the stations between Huddersfield and Greenfield and also have others on standby at Stalybridge.

“The work has been given priority but we do not know when it will be completed. We hope it can be finished before the peak time services later today”.