Image copyright PA Image caption Father Christmas may come, but not via the Heathrow Express

Rail passengers face significant disruption during the Christmas break as 200 sets of Network Rail engineering works are planned.

Some rail works begin on Christmas Eve, which falls on a Saturday, and are set to continue for four days.

London, Manchester and Cardiff are among the cities hit and the Heathrow Express will be suspended for six days.

Rail bosses recommend people plan their journeys using the National Rail Enquiries website.

It said major works take place during official holidays as up to 50% fewer passengers travel then.

Closures due

More than 95% of the network would open as usual, National Rail's England and Wales managing director Phil Hufton said.

"There's never a good time to impact on journeys and I'd like to thank passengers in advance for their patience, " he said.

Among the works: