RECAP: Trafford Centre and Manchester city centre packed with shoppers as tram network faces major delays

Tram services in and around the Trafford Centre and Manchester city centre are facing 'severe delays' - with thousands of shoppers out and about bagging Christmas presents early doors.

According to Tfgm, a tram fault at Deansgate Castlefield has resulted in delays heading out of the city, with particular delays to the Manchester Airport Line. The major lines affected include Ashton-Under-Lyne to Eccles, Altrincham to Bury, Manchester Airport to Victoria, East Didsbury to Rochdale Town Centre, and The Trafford Centre to Deansgate-Castlefield.

It comes as temperatures plummet across the region, with Met Office forecasters issuing a weather warning for the region.

Read more: Met Office says snow could hit Greater Manchester tonight - with cold snap to continue for days

Commuters have been warned that they may experience additional delays for public travel services as a result of the tram networks issues. Long rows of cars have been spotted at the Trafford Centre main car park with shoppers continuing to face delays in the area.

TfGM have advised that delays will continue until further notice.

However, customers intending to travel to the airport have been advised to use their ticket on one of the following buses instead: 8, 19, 23, 25, 41, 43, 101, 103, 368, 370, and 371

In a statement on their website, Transport for Greater Manchester said the delays are due to a tram fault.

"Delays in the City Centre affecting Didsbury, Airport, Eccles and Altrincham services.

"Due to a tram fault at Deansgate Castlefield we have delays heading out of the City with severe delays on the Airport Line.

"Customers may experience additional delays for a service. For Airport Line customers they can also use tickets on the 18, 19, 23, 25,