RAIL services in Dorset could be severely affected by a strike next week.

As reported in the Echo, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union planned industrial action over the Bank Holiday weekend, but this was called off.

Now the union has announced there will be a 24-hour strike of Network Rail staff from 5pm on Thursday, June 4 to 4.59pm on Friday, June 5.

A further 48 hours of action will take place from 5pm on Tuesday June 9 to 4.59pm on Thursday June 11.

In addition there will be action just short of a strike from 12.01am Saturday June 6 to 11.59pm on Friday June 12.

Action comes after the RMT rejected a pay offer from National Rail.

First Great Western, which runs services on the Weymouth to Bristol line, say journeys could be severely disrupted.

A spokesman said: "As we know the last strike was cancelled and we remain hopeful that Network Rail and the RMT will be able to reach an agreement and avoid any disruption to our customers.

"We will be talking to Network Rail about the specific impact this may have on First Great Western services. But, should the action go ahead, it is likely to have a significant impact on our ability to run our trains.

Any action is likely to have an significant impact both before, during and after the dates announced."