York-based Grand Central has imposed a contingency timetable following component failures with its power car fleet, which led to the cancellation of some services.

Technical problems have plagued the trains in recent weeks and as a result some services from Sunderland to London have been temporarily scrapped.

A spokesman said: "We are working with those responsible and other repairers to get the necessary work done as soon as is practical in order to improve the situation."

Grand Central provides a service between Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York and London Kings Cross. But a number of its trains have been cancelled and passengers from Sunderland and Hartlepool are being transferred on to National Express services.

The company says that passengers from Eaglescliffe, Northallerton and Thirsk will be conveyed by taxi or train services. Details can be found on the company's website grandcentralrail.co.uk.