Rail passengers in Cumbria are facing disruption today because of strike action.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is staging a 24-hour walk out as part of the ongoing dispute over the role of guards and jobs.

The period of industrial action will affect all services operated by Northern, including those between Carlisle, west Cumbria and Newcastle.

There are picket lines outside the stations in Carlisle and Workington.

It's the third time RMT members have walked out in a protest against plans for driver-only trains which are due to come into service in 2020.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "Removing staff from trains, which will travel through over 300 unstaffed stations, is a toxic combination that will increase anti-social behaviour and and unleash a surge in crime which will see Northern rail becoming a muggers' paradise.

"The public are right to be concerned and that is why they are backing RMT's fight for the guarantee of a guard on Northern trains."

Richard Allan, deputy managing director of Northern (Arriva Rail North), said: “It is disappointing that RMT was unwilling to move from its current position during our talks yesterday.

"Our employees want us to talk about changes we need to make to the on-board role as we modernise our railway. We believe we would keep a second person on many of our services and, at some locations, we may choose to staff the station to give better support to customers.

"In addition to protecting jobs and current pay, we are also willing to offer future, annual pay reviews for existing conductors if we can agree a deal with RMT.

"It is hugely disappointing that RMT is making demands rather than working with us to develop our plans. There is so much to discuss and we urge them to get back round the table."

However the operator says it will run as many services as it can and replacement buses will be in operation where possible.

* More information is available from www.northernrailway.co.uk/industrialaction