Commuters using Kent's trains will be able to claim refunds for season tickets - if they've now been instructed to work from home.

It comes as an increasing number of firms tell staff to work remotely in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

This will apply for train operating companies such as Southeastern, Southern and Thames Link.

Travellers will be entitled to a refund depending on how long is left unused on their ticket.

Network Rail, which operates the rail infrastructure on the nation's railways, said: "Train companies understand that at the moment people may not wish to travel in the way they had originally planned.

"Season tickets can be refunded, depending on how long is left unused on them, and people should get in touch with their train company or the website from which they bought their ticket, to see what they might be entitled to."

In a response to a question regarding passengers who are not travelling due to concerns over contracting the virus, the company said: "At the current time, there is no advice against travelling.

"However, train companies understand that people will be changing their plans and will be increasing support for our customers who decide against travelling as originally intended.

"Train operators are working on plans which will be in place very shortly so that it's free to get money back on most refundable fares.

"In the case of the cheapest advance fares, which are not normally transferable, almost all operators will be allowing changes to a trip if someone decides not to travel when they had originally booked for."

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