RAIL services will be suspended between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot this evening as Storm Ingrid is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain.

Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail have announced the closure of rail lines this evening due to expected severe weather conditions along the sea wall at Dawlish.

This pictured shows the scene on the coast at Dawlish this morning, captured by the owners of Pilchard Cottage holiday accommodation in Dawlish.

They said: ‘Spare a thought for this absolutely hero who has single handly kept the line open along Dawlish sea wall today in horrendous conditions, keeping the track clear of a sand and stone build up, whilst getting soaked every 20 seconds or so.’

A spokesman for GWR said: ‘Predicted heavy and persistent rain in the south west, combined with gusts of up to 60mph in coastal areas during high tide, represents a significant risk of sea water breaching the Dawlish sea wall, and debris on the railway.’

The line will be closed from 8.30 tonight, Friday, until at least 2pm tomorrow, Saturday when safety inspections can be carried out.

Disruption to services is expected until 4pm on Saturday.

Customers planning journeys today and tomorrow are advised to check their journeys before travelling. Those travelling today should aim to complete journeys by 8pm.

GWR has arranged replacement coaches to keep customers moving.

Passengers travelling to stations between Plymouth and Penzance should change at Tiverton Parkway for coach services to Plymouth, where train services resume for onward travel.

Passengers heading to stations between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot should change at Exeter St Davids for coach services to Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.

Replacement coaches will operate from the front of stations until midday Saturday.

Those with tickets dated to travel today through the affected area can use those tickets to travel up to and including Sunday 25 January.

Those with advance fares for travel this evening (Friday 23 January) may also use those tickets to travel earlier today.

Train tickets will be accepted on Stagecoach South West bus services 2, 7 and 12.

Passengers should check live departure information at GWR.com or station departure boards or consider postponing travel until services return to normal.