MERSEYRAIL has confirmed its service timetable for over the festive period.

Trains will be running every day over the festive period, except Christmas Day.

Boxing Day trains will be running, with a limited service starting at approximately 9am and finishing at approximately 6:30pm, calling at selected stations across the network.

This will help to support those making journeys on Boxing Day, including those heading to the races at Aintree, to the Boxing Day Sales or sporting events.

Services will run every 30 minutes calling at the following stations:

Chester and Ellesmere Port lines: Services will start and terminate at Hooton calling at Bromborough, Bebington, Rock Ferry, Birkenhead Central, James St and Liverpool Central. There will be no services between Liverpool and Ellesmere Port, Chester and Hooton.

New Brighton line: New Brighton, Birkenhead North, Conway Park, James St and Liverpool Central.

West Kirby line: West Kirby, Leasowe, Birkenhead North, Conway Park, James St and Liverpool Central.

Southport line: Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Formby, Blundellsands & Crosby, Waterloo, Bootle Oriel Road, Sandhills, and Liverpool Central.

Hunts Cross line: Liverpool South Parkway, St Michaels and Liverpool Central.

Ormskirk line: Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Orrell Park, Kirkdale, Sandhills and Liverpool Central.

Headbolt Lane via Kirkby line: Headbolt Lane, Kirkby, Fazakerley, Kirkdale, Sandhills and Liverpool Central.

There will be no train services on Christmas Day. On New Year’s Day a 30-minute Sunday service will run on all lines across the network.

As has been the case in previous years, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will see services finish earlier than usual. On both days, from approximately 7pm. Final services will run with trains reaching their final destination by 9.30pm. Customers should check the journey planner at Merseyrail.org to plan their journey.

A normal timetable will be in place on all other days.

Suzanne Grant, commercial director at Merseyrail, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer Boxing Day services this Christmas, as people across the Liverpool City Region prepare to enjoy the festive season.

"Our stations and staff will also be getting into the Christmas spirit, helping to spread lots of Christmas cheer.

"So, if people are looking for inspiration for things to see and do on the lead up to Christmas, just have a look at the Christmas pages on the Merseyrail website at merseyrail.org/Christmas.

“But do remember that as services are limited on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve they are likely to be busy.

"We would encourage customers to use the journey planner at Merseyrail.org, before they make their festive plans."

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: "We're really pleased that Merseyrail will be running services on Boxing Day once again this year.

"Whilst most of the rail network will be shut, we will be providing services that offer people the chance to travel to work and leisure opportunities, or simply to visit relatives at this special time of year.

"This shows the benefits that devolution can bring, allowing us to make decisions at a local level that benefit the people of our city region.”

For full timetable information, Christmas shopping and event guides passengers can visit Merseyrail.org/Christmas.