TransPennine Express (TPE) is following LNER’s example and offering free travel to passengers evacuated to the UK from Corfu and Rhodes.

Thousands of holidaymakers and others are returning home early as wildfires spread across the Greek islands, fanned by strong winds and boosted by record high temperatures.

Similar to LNER’s arrangements, passengers will need to present their stamped passport and airline boarding pass confirming that they have travelled from the islands.

The operator will also fully refund rail tickets bought directly from TPE as part of a booked journey to Greece by passengers who no longer intend to travel there because of the wildfire situation.

Passengers who bought their tickets from a third-party retailer will need to contact that retailer about the possibility of a refund or claim the cost from their travel insurer.

TPE will continue this arrangement until further notice.

Darren Higgins, Commercial Director for TPE, said: “We recognise how difficult this experience has been for many people and hope this decision will provide much-needed relief to those who have been impacted by the ongoing crisis.

“Anyone who has been affected by the tragic wildfires and are arriving back to the UK on an alternative date, time or at a different airport will be allowed to travel on TPE Standard Class at no charge.

“If customers already have a train ticket, they will be able to travel on a different date or time from their original TPE journey at no extra cost.”