It could have been a rude awakening for a pair of hibernating grass snakes discovered by Network Rail contractors in Slough last week – but thanks to expert advice the relaxing reptiles are continuing their slumber at a specialist wildlife centre until the spring.

Work to strengthen and repair a bridge which has carried trains across the River Thames for 150 years is due to begin later this month.

The redeveloped King’s Cross station has been given the royal seal of approval after a tour of the restored train shed and new western concourse by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Six men whose attacks on railway and communications cable across Hertfordshire, Essex, Leicestershire, Buckingham and London cost almost £715,000 have been jailed.

There are 16 places available on the 2013 Network Rail advanced apprenticeship scheme in Wales, the company announced today.

Engineers are working to repair a weather-damaged footpath and foundations which have delayed the reopening of the railway footbridge at Roodee viaduct, Chester.

Passengers using Thorne South station will find a new footbridge linking the platforms this morning (Mon 28 Jan). The bridge has been installed this weekend by Network Rail to reduce the risk to pedestrians by fully separating them from trains.