NORTHERN Rail have been forced to cancel more than 170 services – including some running on the Manchester to Crewe line.

Hundreds of trains were cancelled or delayed today, Sunday, amid staff shortages blamed on the World Cup final and hot weather.

Along the Manchester to Crewe line - which call at stations in Handforth, Styal, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Chelford, Goostrey and Holmes Chapel - 24 trains have been cancelled.

A spokesman for Northern, said: “Unfortunately we have so far had to cancel more than 170 services across our network and it is likely more will be cancelled as we continue to plan our services.

“We would like to apologise to our customers and advise anyone planning on travelling tomorrow to plan carefully, check for cancellations and visit the Northern website or National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information.”

Full refunds are available for holders of Advance tickets, or passengers can use tickets on Monday instead.

Rail replacement road transport will also be used where possible, but passengers should check when services are available before travelling if possible.