The first of two days of strike action affecting services across Cumbria is underway today, with passengers being warned of serious disruption during peak periods.

Some passengers may be eligible for compensation if they are delayed by more than 30 minutes.

Rail union the RMT have announced walk outs on October 3 and 5 for Arriva Rail North services, affecting the Furness and Cumbrian Coast lines and services between Carlisle and Kirkby Stephen.

It will also affect services between Carlisle and Newcastle.

It is the latest day of action as part of a long running dispute between the union and Arriva Rail North over the future role of train guards and the introduction of Driver Only Operation.

The train operator has said it aims to run around 1,200 services across the north on both days between 7am and 7pm, which is 46 per cent of its normal timetable.

However, it has warned commuters that peak times will “extremely busy” and is advising them to allow extra time to travel and consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary.

Richard Allan, Northern’s Deputy Managing Director, said: "Customers can be assured that we are doing all we can to keep them on the move on 3 and 5 October.

“We are focusing on maintaining a train service on our busier routes between 7am and 7pm, with replacement bus services available where trains aren’t running."

Northern says that if you travel on a strike day and experience a delay of 30 minutes or more to your journey, you are eligible to compensation through its Delay Repay scheme.

Northern season ticket holders can also claim compensation on the days they do not travel using this process.

For more information on the revised timetables visit www.northernrailway.co.uk/industrial-action.