ENGINEERING work north of York caused some delays for rail passengers travelling to, and from, the city this weekend.

A replacement bus service operated between York and Newcastle for all GNER services yesterday because of maintenance work near Skelton on the North East mainline.

Train services continued to operate between York and London Kings Cross as well as Newcastle and Scotland.

The delays coincide with the start of the GNER spring timetable which was put into action yesterday. Only weekend services have been affected by the changes.

Further delays are expected to occur for customers over the following three Sundays, until February 2, as engineering work continues. A GNER spokesman apologised for any delays.

Arriva train services between York and Manchester Victoria were also affected by engineering work yesterday near Manchester.

A spokeswoman for Arriva Trains Northern apologised for the delays, which she said were caused by essential maintenance.

Updated: 11:37 Monday, January 13, 2003