TRAINS experienced delays near Darlington this morning due to horses on the tracks.

Virgin Trains reported that some of its services were running slightly behind schedule due to the horses "trespassing" on the railway tracks.

The company tweeted: "We have trespassers near Darlington - several horses, in fact.

"Trains will need to run a bit slower through this area whilst we get them safely off the tracks so you'll have a slight delay to your journey."

Sam Ball, @thesamball, wrote on Twitter: "My train is delayed because of a horse on the line... Not heard that excuse before."