TRAIN operator National Express gave hard-pressed travellers a guarantee this afternoon that its services would be running as normal throughout Easter.

The news will be welcome relief to families planning a Bank Holiday getaway, as engineering work will disrupt services on the alternative West coast route from Easter Saturday until Easter Monday.

National Express said it was responding to a call from the watchdog Passenger Focus group to publicise alternative rail routes to those affected by engineering work.

Any mass migration to the East coast main line will also hit the group's major rival, Virgin, which operates trains on the West coast route.

Despite a £9 billion up-grade a key stretch of the West coast line will still be closed over Easter, lengthening the estimated travel time by several hours in some cases.

National Express East Coast managing director Susan Goldsmith said: “Easter is an important time for many families to spend time together. We are delighted to be able to provide through services on the East Coast route on all four days of the holiday weekend.

“There are many exciting leisure destinations along the East Coast route from London to Edinburgh, such as the cathedral cities of York and Durham. Our trains also run close to three national parks, making coast and countryside easily accessible. And of course there’s London and Edinburgh with a host of visitor attractions offering something for everyone.

“We also offer value for money fares available for those who plan ahead and book in advance, including currently a ten per cent discount on our lowest Standard Advance fares on selected trains for those who book via our website”.

Details of Easter train times and fares, plus guides to many of the great destinations served, are available online at www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com, by calling 08457 225225 or visiting any staffed rail station.