TRAIN bosses have apologised to commuters who experienced severe disruption on services between Bolton and Manchester.

First North Western rail passengers who travelled from Bolton to Salford Crescent and Victoria stations faced delays following a fire at Irwell Street, Salford, when a lorry carrying gas cylinders caught fire.

First North Western staff worked through the night to plan an emergency timetable to get people into work.

Services were running well until the 6.45am Lytham St Anne's to Manchester Oxford Road failed at Preston, due to a technical fault. It caused significant delays to a number of services, causing severe problems for customers in and around Bolton.

Denise Lennox, Commercial Director, said: "We are extremely sorry for the disruption and inconvenience that our passengers have experienced, especially those travelling from Bolton into Manchester, and are very grateful for their co-operation and patience."

For more information about trains the First North Western Train Running Hotline can be contacted on 0800 528 0200.