Some trains across the Southeastern network will start their journeys by up to eight minutes earlier as the firm alters timetables to tackle the challenge of leaves on the line.

The rail operator said it was working with Network Rail to help keep trains on time and make sure "customers can travel with confidence".

The timetable begins on Sunday and runs until 13 December, when a new one across the whole rail network in the United Kingdom comes into force.

Southeastern added a limited number of trains would have an altered stopping pattern and some stations would have fewer services.

Some mainline services from Hastings, Ramgsate, Dover, Ashford, Maidstone East and the Medway towns to London Terminals will depart by up to eight minutes earlier.

Changes have been predominately made to services in the morning rush hour departing the first station between 04:30 BST and 08:50.

Some changes have also been made to off-peak and weekend services.

Alterations have also been made on the High Speed routes and the Medway Valley Line, between Paddock Wood and Strood.

Passengers at Kent House, Penge East, Sydenham Hill, West Dulwich and St John's will also see a small reduction in services.

Southeastern said this would affect a "small number" of passengers, but it would provide a "greater benefit" to many others.

A fleet of specialist trains equipped with water jets which blast leaves from the lines have been deployed by Network Rail and Southeastern to help reduce delays.

These trains will be operating out of the Tonbridge depot, the companies confirmed.

On Sunday, several lines are closed for engineering works, including between Hastings and Robertsbridge, Ashford and Dover and Gillingham and Sittingbourne.

London Charing Cross, London Cannon Street, London Bridge and Waterloo East will also see no services on Sunday, Southeastern said, with most services diverted to London Victoria instead.

Eight minutes allowance is though.....