(Picture: PA)

Britain’s railways went into meltdown on one of the busiest days of the year – with one company warning people not to travel.

TransPennine cancelled more than 100 trains yesterday, adding that more would be scrapped today following a software failure.

‘While problems persist, we advise customers not to travel and to seek alternative means of transport,’ said the operator.

Avanti axed dozens of trains, blaming crew shortages, while South West Rail ran a much-reduced service in and out of Waterloo.

The next strike from the RMT rail union starts at 6pm on Saturday – Christmas Eve – until 6pm next Tuesday.

More two-day walkouts are due on January 3 and 4, then January 6-7. TSSA members at CrossCountry, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains will also walk out between December 26 and 29.

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‘While problems persist, we advise customers not to travel.’