The Northwich commuter told how he had recently been 40 minutes late when two trains failed to arrive on time.

"I am worried about losing my job if I carry on turning up after 9am," he said.

"Some of the passengers got talking and everyone agreed they felt guilty walking in late when their colleagues had already started work."

The 20-year-old, who is hoping to take his driving test soon, called the Knutsford Guardian again on Monday after his train home was cancelled.

"We are supposed to be encouraged to use public transport, but this is no way to do it," he said.

This week a spokesman for North Western Trains blamed various problems for the late arrival of trains including leaves.

"It is an annual problem we have and when there are leaves on the line it does cause delays," he said.

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