TRAINS began running again between Carlisle and Workington at 04.05 today, after three days of round the clock work by Network Rail to clear and repair the railway following the weekend's devastating floods.

Network Rail said the Cumbrian Coast route had been 'severely damaged', particularly as the torrential rain had caused several landslips.

Acting route managing director Debbie Francis said: "All routes are now open in the north west after the extensive damage caused over the weekend.

"The orange army has pulled out all the stops to get trains running again and get passengers and businesses on the move. I'd like to thank everyone for their patience during this difficult time.

"We know that any further rain will simply run off the top of the ground rather than soak in, so we remain on alert to tackle any further problems."

A number of speed restrictions have been imposed while permanent repairs are carried out in some of the worst affected areas, notably on the West Coast Main Line north of Carlisle, which reopened yesterday.