A BULL was hit by a train near Lydney on Monday evening, causing several several hours of delays.

A vet was called to the stricken animal which was reported to be underneath the train.

The railway was closed in both directions as a result of the accident which happened around 6pm.

The Gloucester-Chepstow section reopened first with northbound services being reinstated around 10pm.

More services than normal were affected as Great Western Railway (GWR) trains between South Wales, London, Bristol and the South Coast as the Severn Tunnel is closed as part of the works to electrify the line between Cardiff and London.

Network Rail has said freight and GWR passengers services are being diverted through the Forest and Gloucester until July 6.

It is estimated there is an average increase of 27 freight and 44 passenger services through the area every week during the works.

Motorists and pedestrians who use level crossings are being advised to allow extra time as the barriers will be down more often than usual.