Great Western Railway (GWR) is advising customers to check their journey on Sunday morning before leaving home because of a shortage of train crew.

A 'crew shortage' and illness will particularly impact frequencies on branch line services, like the Exmouth line, and cause short-notice cancellations and alterations, on long-distance services between London Paddington and Bristol and Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter/Plymouth. Trains that serve Taunton. 

GWR said: "Sickness and England reaching the final of the Euros likely to reduce the number of colleagues available for overtime shifts."

The number of cancellations could lead to a train every two hours on these lines, and other routes may also be affected.

On the impacted routes, where trains are able to run they are expected to be very busy and customers may find it more convenient to travel the day before or after.  

GWR say it will implement contingency plans to protect core services and minimise disruption for customers.

To help customers, tickets for Sunday 14 July will be valid on Saturday 13 or Monday 15 July.

Journey planners and other industry systems are expected to be updated on Friday morning with key changes. There are likely to be other short-notice changes through the day on Saturday and customers can keep up-to-date with the latest information at www.gwr.com/check.

If trains are cancelled, customers can use their existing ticket on the previous or the next available service. If you choose not to travel the usual refund arrangements remain in place.

GWR expects to run a full service on Monday 17 June.