JUNIOR doctors at Dorset County Hospital have joined with their colleagues around the country taking part in today's strike. 

From 8am this morning, junior doctors around the country have walked out for 24 hours in a dispute over a new contract which doctors say could jeopardise patient safety. 

Doctors have formed a picket line on Williams Avenue outside DCH to protest the proposed changes.

The group were at the hospital from 8am until around 10am when they moved to South Street to talk to anyone who may have anything they wish to discuss with them. 

Drivers beeped their horns in support as the doctors picketed outside the hospital. 

Olivia Davies, a junior doctor at DCH said that the support had been impressive.

She said: "It's been really good, people have been showing their support for what we're doing.

"Lots of beeping horns, lots of support from the drivers, from passersby."

Olivia said that doctors are sorry for anyone that appointments cancelled but said that these have already been arranged. 

A spokesperson for the hospital said that five day surgery appointments and 20 outpatient appointments had been cancelled as a result of the strike. 

Emergency services at the hospital will be fully staffed.

Junior doctors will be on South Street until around 4pm today.