Network Rail is set to electrify rail around Manchester and the north-east this Christmas season.

This will involve updating Manchester Victoria station. As a result, however, there be no Northern Rail trains operating from this station after December 24th until January 2nd next year.

The upgrades are part of the organisation's North West Electrification programme - a £400 million scheme converting rail to cope with electric trains by December 2014.

Area director for Network Rail Martin Frobisher said: "With more passengers and more journeys being made than ever before, demand for rail is booming. The work happening at Manchester Victoria is a key part of our plans to improve rail across Manchester and the north of England."

He stated this will allow for more frequent and faster services between major destinations in the north.

Mr Frobisher admitted it was unfortunate trains had to be cancelled but, when upgrading rails in this manner, it had to occur at some point. According to Network Rail, this is one of the quieter periods of the year, especially since no services run on December 25th and 26th.