RAIL passengers are facing travel disruption after some services have been suspended due to a shortage of train crew.

Direct Thameslink services between Brighton and Cambridge are not running today as a result of a shortage of train drivers, with a reduced service between the two stations.

Customers and commuters are advised to take alternative routes between Brighton and London St Pancras International, between London St Pancras International and Finsbury Park, and between London Kings Cross, Finsbury Park and Cambridge.

Thameslink has advised customers to leave around 20 minutes of extra time for journeys and said: “As the cancellations will lead to a reduced number of train departures at stations across the Brighton-Cambridge route, these alternative services will be busier.”

Services between Brighton and Bedford will also be affected, with an extra stop at Balcombe added to the route in both directions to ensure there is a regular train service at the station.

Engineering work between Three Bridges and Horsham is also causing disruption for rail passengers this weekend, with replacement bus services running between both stations.