PASSENGERS at Oxenholme say rail services are in 'chaos' after a signalling problem caused cancellations and delays across south Cumbria and north Lancashire.

The issue at Preston is affecting Virgin and First Transpennine Express trains along the local stretch of the West Coast Mainline, with dozens of passengers at Oxenholme left feeling the effects.

Would-be passenger, Paula Scott, was one of many people who took to Twitter over the issue.

"There's a bit of chaos at Oxenholme Station," she said.

"Staff are being very helpful & lots of announcements #notgoinganywhere"

Train services in the area will be facing delays until at least 6pm, according to latest travel updates.

This morning Virgin Trains said passengers could be facing delays of up to two hours and said replacement bus services are covering some services.

The problem caused disruption on First Transpennine Express trains between Lancaster and Manchester Airport and on Virgin trains between Lancaster and Preston.

Travel updates from First Transpennine Express said trains might may be cancelled or delayed by up to an hour, while Virgin travel updates said it could be two hours.

At 10.30am a spokesman for Virgin Trains said additional coaches had been sourced and were on their way to Preston, Carlisle and Lancaster.