Network Rail has warned that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated over the festive period.

This comes as the Manchester Christmas Markets open on Friday, November 8.

Manchester Piccadilly welcomed more than 6.6 million passengers during the festive period last year and expects even more this year.

With this in mind, passengers are advised to plan their trips and check train times on the National Rail website before they travel.

In addition to market visitors, the station will also be busy with people heading to concerts, football matches, and Christmas parties.

Extra staff and event managers have been deployed at the station to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Passengers have been urged to maintain proper decorum and avoid any disruptive behaviour.

Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly's station delivery manager, said: "Christmas is a special time at Manchester Piccadilly, and we love being a part of the festivities as people travel through the station to celebrate, or do their Christmas shopping.

"However, our priority is to keep everyone safe.

"If you are not able to travel safely, you will not be welcome at the station.

"Disruptive and dangerous behaviour, after a few too many mulled wines, puts yourself, other passengers, and our colleagues at risk.

"Please, be considerate of others when travelling by train this Christmas.

"We have extra staff on hand this year to help keep you safely on the move."

Network Rail is collaborating with the British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, and train operating companies to ensure the safety of passengers and railway workers throughout the Christmas period.

Chief Inspector James Mitchell from the British Transport Police, said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festivities safely.

"We’ll have a robust policing plan in place and you’ll see an increased police presence patrolling the network to help keep you safe.

"It’s really important to remember to respect fellow passengers and rail staff - any abusive behaviour or incidents of antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

"We urge everyone travelling on the railway to save our discreet text number 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app."