Passengers are being warned of travel disruption on the Cambrian Line in December.

Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering work between Machynlleth and Pwllheli stations.

This means buses will replace trains from 4.45pm on Sunday, December 8, to 7.30am on Monday, December 16.

Network Rail engineers will be replacing more than 1km of track between Dyffryn Ardudwy and Harlech stations.

They will install 1,800 new sleepers and 3,600 tonnes of ballast using an auto hopper train, which will be refilled from a virtual quarry at Marine Parade, Barmouth.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director said: "Our teams will be working around the clock to carry out this important track renewal on the Cambrian Line.

"The age of the track and its exposed location on the Cambrian Coast means we must replace it this winter.

"We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway for more than a week.

"But this allows us to minimise wider disruption and do the work in a more cost-effective way than if we had to return over several weekend shifts.

"I would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding and urge them to check their journeys before travelling."

Transport for Wales (TfW) will run both fast and stopping buses.

On Sunday, December 8, the 4.52pm and 6.55pm Machynlleth to Pwllheli services will be replaced by buses.

From Monday, December 9, and Sunday, December 15, buses will replace trains all day.

On Monday, December 16, the 6.29am and 7.29am Pwllheli to Machynlleth services will be replaced by buses.

These replacement buses will run earlier than usual to make sure they connect with train services at Machynlleth.