RAIL users endured a second bout of travel misery in less than 24 hours after a herd of cows got on to the tracks near Ledbury.

The herd invasion cause delays of more than an hour to some services this morning (Wednesday, January 11), with knock-on effects affecting stations on the lines to London and Birmingham.

The First Great Western Cathedrals Express high-speed service, which runs from Hereford to London Paddington was one of those affected. Normally due to leave Great Malvern at 7.15am, it did not depart until 8.17am.

The train manager told travellers that the herd had got on to the track through a fence which had been knocked down, and rail staff had not been able to locate the farmer who owned the animals.

The next two services from Great Malvern, the 7.39am and 8.05am, both for Birmingham, were at that time reported to be between 30 and 40 minutes late.

As the Cathedrals Express arrived, more than 120 commuters were waiting at Great Malvern and at least 100 at Malvern Link. Many had asked for compensation forms to fill in. The platforms at Worcester Foregate Street were also packed.

To save time in its run to London, the Cathedrals Express was diverted on to a non-stop fast route through Cheltenham and Stroud, causing further delays to travellers at Pershore, Evesham and stations on the Cotswold Line.

• Click here for the latest traffic and travel news.