NETWORK RAIL and train operators' staff have been working overnight to clear the lines and repair the damage caused by a storm early yesterday. Trees and other debris have been removed from more than 200 locations in the south of England, according to Network Rail, and overhead lines torn down by falling trees have been replaced.

The storm left extensive damage between the Midlands and the south coast before moving across the North Sea to cause similar devastation on the continent.

Many trains in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands were delayed or cancelled yesterday when infrastructure was blocked or damaged by the 100km/h + winds.

Meanwhile a massive clear-up operation has been continuing in the south of England, and trains are now running on most lines again.

The Midland Main Line was closed yesterday between Luton and London, following major damage to overhead lines at Radlett, just south of St Albans.

A spokesman for East Midlands Trains said: "We are pleased to be able to restore our services to London this morning and would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding over the past 24 hours. We would also like to thank Network Rail and the power company for carrying out the repairs required to allow us to resume our full timetable today."

First Capital Connect is also running south of Luton again.

Although EMT trains are diesel, all four lines at Radlett had to be closed to allow the the engineers' occupation. South West Trains also expects to run a full service today, after many of its lines were blocked by fallen trees and other debris.

However, Greater Anglia does not expect to restore a full service until this afternoon, while Southeastern and Southern are reporting 'minor delays'. London Midland said buses will replace trains on the Watford-St Albans branch today, because a tree is still blocking the line near How Wood.