King's Lynn & West Norfolk rail operator Great Northern aims to restore full service after Watlington station buckled track due to heatwave

West Norfolk commuters should be breathing a sigh of relief today as rail operator Great Northern says it aims to restore a full service.

No trains were running most of this week between Lynn and London King's Cross due to the effects of the heatwave – Tuesday was the hottest on record – which included a buckled rail at Watlington.

Great Northern this morning stated: "We're aiming to run a normal service today (Thursday 21st July) across our entire network.

"Please check before you travel, as some morning cancellations/alterations remain possible, as our trains have been displaced."

There were reports the track at Watlington had buckled twice this week which necessitated repairs.

The operator also stated: "You can use tickets dated for Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July for travel with Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 July instead.

"If you've purchased a ticket with us at one of our ticket offices or on our website and you are unable to travel or choose not to travel, you can apply for a refund. If you bought your ticket with us, simply return your unused ticket to a Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern ticket office (unless it's an e-ticket) or apply using our online refund form.

"You will not be charged the £10 administration fee."

Temperatures soared throughout the East of England (Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire), with highs of 39C recorded across all four counties and a Met Office red weather warning on Monday and Tuesday for "extreme heat".