DISRUPTION to rail services between Oxfordshire and London Paddington is over after engineers repaired fire-damaged signal equipment earlier than forecast.

First Great Western had warned there could be problems until about 4pm today but Network Rail was able to open all four tracks between Paddington and Slough this morning and a normal Saturday timetable is in operation between Oxford, Didcot, Reading and London. Only two tracks had been available after the fire on Thursday morning.

However, passengers heading for the West Country are being advised by FGW not to try to travel west of Taunton, due to flooding in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

The main line between Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth is blocked, along with the branch lines to Barnstaple, Looe and Newquay.

FGW is providing replacement buses where possible but roads in the South West are also affected by flooding due to heavy rain.

There are also reports of flooding affecting the main line from Didcot Parkway to South Wales, west of Bristol Parkway station, and signalling problems at Cardiff, with extended journey times expected.

Ticket restrictions have been lifted by FGW and tickets dated for travel today will be accepted tomorrow or on Monday.

For the latest information, see First Great Western's JourneyCheck page or call 08457 484950.