Rail users in the north have been warned to expect busier than usual trains during Euro 2020 which kicks off today (Friday).

Train operator Northern has called on its customers to carefully consider their journeys throughout the duration of the football tournament.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “It’s great that so many people will be able to enjoy a festival of football. But we expect our trains to be a little busier than they have been in the recent past as people travel to Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield to access the fan parks.

“There are matches on most days between now and the final – on Sunday, July 11 – and we’re asking all our customers to plan their journeys carefully during this period and to be prepared for busier services.”

The spokesperson added: “We know cleanliness, now more than ever, is vitally important for our customers. That’s why we now have more than 600 dedicated cleaning staff working on trains and at stations with a particular focus on touch points (tables, buttons and toilets). Our enhanced cleaning regime is designed to protect customers and staff by reducing the potential risk of transmission.

“And, of course, face coverings are still mandatory (aside from those with specific exemptions) on all trains and at stations.”