Preston train station partially reopens following roof damage caused by Storm Eunice

Preston railway station has partially reopened to passengers with a limited service after gale force winds caused structural damage to the roof.

Engineers inspected sections of metal panelling on the building's roof which came loose, as the North West felt the full force of Storm Eunice.

Trains are now able to pass through the station, and Network Rail say trains can now call at platforms 1, 2 and 3, but platforms 4, 5 and 6 will remain closed.

Services are still disrupted however and passengers are urged to check before they travel.

An Avanti spokesperson said: "We’ve worked closely with Network Rail to partially reopen Preston station, following an inspection of the roof.

"We’d like to thank customers for their continued patience and strongly recommend they check before they travel if making journeys this weekend."

Passengers are being advised not to travel unless necessary as rail services across the region continue to be disrupted following the aftermath of Storm Eunice.

Trains are expected to be busier than normal following Friday's cancellations and speed restrictions.

Avanti West Coast suspended all services on Friday 18 February due to multiple incidents across the network.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said "hundreds" of engineers were out in the conditions trying to protect the railway.

He said: "Because of Storm Eunice’s severity we’ve had no choice but to close Preston so we can thoroughly inspect the roof."