PASSENGERS are facing long delays throughout Hampshire as rare 'frozen rain' is causing chaos.

Many people have been delayed as train services are being cancelled and alternative arrangements made due to severe weather conditions.

A spokesman for Network Rail said rain coming down on the tracks, freezing and creating a layer of ice on impact has led to electrical problems with the trains, which normally get their power from the contact with the track.

He said: "We call it frozen rain. It is one of these unfortunate circumstances and it is as bad as it gets but fortunately it is quite rare.

"We are doing everything we can to get the trains up and running again and apologise for any delays."

Network Rail said workers were out last night defrosting tracks but their efforts have been reversed now it is raining in freezing conditions.