MAJOR work to electrify railway lines near Bolton is on schedule to finish on August 31, rail bosses have said.

The six-week programme began on July 19 and passengers travelling between Bolton and Preston have so far coped with four weeks of upheaval.

There is just one train an hour on that route, compared with five normally, and replacement buses have also been used.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Once electrification of this route is complete in December, 2016, quieter and greener electric trains will be introduced allowing quicker journey times .

“The train companies will also provide a significant increase in the number of seats available on many services.”