Thames Trains services in the Oxford region have been hit by a half-term driver crisis.

Dozens of services have had to be cancelled due to a shortage of volunteers willing to work on rest days.

As a result, 29 journeys were axed on Monday and 31 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, 65 services were cancelled. A similar number were expected to be hit again on Thursday.

The Oxford-to-London stopping services were likely to be affected, along with the Bristol-Oxford route.

A spokesman said the shortfall in qualified drivers available for work - 31 fewer than the company's optimum target of 266 - included a third off on temporary or long-term sick leave, or claiming absence for "some other valid reason".

He added: "Like most other businesses in the south east we're working our damnedest to train more drivers.

"We have to rely on people working overtime at this time of year and, by sheer fluke or coincidence, this shortage happens to have occurred at half-term.

"If you work Monday to Friday, then Saturday and Sundays are rest days, but we depend on drivers willing to work these and rely on their good will.

"The last 12 months haven't been easy on the industry. At the moment we're running hard to stand still.

"It's been a bit of a blitz this week, but because it happens to be half-term, fewer people are likely to be affected."