RAIL passengers may face travel disruptions this weekend due to the planned Christmas break strikes and Network Rail engineering works.

South Western Railway workers are striking on Saturday, 22 for 24 hours ahead of the continuing dispute about the role of guards on new trains.

Two more strikes are also expected to happen on Thursday 27 and Monday 31 December causing delays to rail users during the Christmas week.

Rail replacement services and ticket acceptance on other bus and rail networks have been organised but passengers are strongly advised to plan their travel in advance and allow extra time for journeys.

A South Western Railway spokesperson said: "By announcing these strike dates, the RMT has shown it has no intention of finding a solution and is only interested in inflicting more misery on passengers as they try to enjoy the festive season.

“This strike action is totally unnecessary. We have guaranteed to roster a guard on every train, and we are employing more, not fewer guards. We will do everything we can to keep customers moving and reduce disruption whenever the RMT strikes.”

No trains will be running on Christmas Day and Boxing Day due to engineering works.