FIRST Great Western is encouraging passengers to check journey times before they travel over the Christmas period while Network Rail carries out work that will hit train services to and from Wiltshire.

The disruptions are as a result of work been carried out on the Crossrail, electrification and Reading projects.

On Christmas Eve service reductions will start from 5pm for long-distance services, with last trains leaving London Paddington by 9.30pm.

A limited number of high-speed trains from London Paddington will serve Bath and Swindon before 11am on Saturday, December 27.

High-speed Intercity, services towards London will terminate at Reading and passengers are advised to use South West Trains services between Reading and London Waterloo before 10.45am.

After 11am on December 27 to Saturday January 3 there will be a reduced service from London Paddington.

First Great Western will continue to operate two trains an hour from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads.

Rail replacement bus services will be operating between Swindon and Pewsey from December 27 to January 3 and between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham on Saturday, January 3 while Network Rail carries out work on these lines.

Trains from London to Chippenham, Pewsey and Bedwyn should not be affected by the work.

Visit www.journeycheck.com/firstgreatwestern or call 03457 000 125.