RAIL operator Northern has warned passengers to check ahead of travelling and expect disruption at points during the next seven days.

As we approach New year, there is likely to be changes to services from Thursday, December 28, until normal service resumes on Wednesday, January 3.

Passengers are being advised to 'check before you travel'.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: "Unfortunately, customers travelling over the New Year period should expect disruption.

St Helens Star: Northern have warned that there will be disruption until Wednesday, January 3.Northern have warned that there will be disruption until Wednesday, January 3. (Image: Northern)

"This is due to limited train crew availability in some areas and planned engineering works. We strongly advise customers to ‘check before you travel’ on those days."

In addition to the travel advice calendar, the rail timetables across the North of England changed on Sunday, December 10 in line with the rest of the National Rail network.

The 'Check My Timetable' feature on the Northern website has information about local stations.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.