Engineering work to improve the reliability and long-term resilience of the East Coast Main Line got underway over the weekend, with closures between Edinburgh and Newcastle.

The programme of work, focused on the section between North Berwick and Dunbar, is designed to support the safe and reliable operation of the key rail route linking Edinburgh Waverley with London King's Cross.

To allow engineers to carry out the improvements safely and efficiently, the line between Edinburgh and Newcastle was closed from Saturday 19 September to Monday 21 September, and again from Saturday 26 September to Monday 28 September.

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A range of engineering projects will be delivered during the closures, including the renewal of around one kilometre of track at Hedderwick.

Engineers will also install a new drainage system and replace around half a kilometre of rails at Ninewar. Work to stabilise a railway slope at Howburn, near Reston, will also take place.

Further engineering work is scheduled for Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October on the section between Newcastle and Berwick, south of the Scottish border.

The closures will affect services operated by LNER, ScotRail, Lumo, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express.

Rail replacement transport and some alternative rail travel options will be available during the closures, with passengers advised to plan ahead and check with their train operator before travelling.