RAIL passengers are suffering fresh disruption on Thursday as workers launched another 24-hour strike in the long-running dispute over driver-only trains.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on Northern mounted picket lines outside stations for the second time this week.

It was the 22nd strike on Northern since the row over the role of guards flared, with another stoppage due on Saturday.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT members have been unflinching in their fight to defend safety and access to rail services across the North for well over a year and they stand united on the picket lines across the region once again this morning.

"RMT is angry and frustrated that, while we are making some progress in discussions in similar safety disputes, Arriva Rail North refuse point-blank to engage with the union in any meaningful fashion.

"The ball is firmly in their court when it comes to progressing this dispute and it is down to the company to respond positively now and give me something of substance I can take back to RMT's executive with a view to moving forwards.

"RMT's campaign for safe and accessible rail services for all continues to gain momentum and is gathering political support right across the North.

"We thank the public for their support, patience and understanding throughout this dispute which is all about putting their safety before the profits of the German-owned Arriva.

"Why the British Government is allowing Arriva to axe guards on Northern Rail trains to maximise profits which are then shipped over the Channel to subsidise rail services in Berlin and Frankfurt is beyond me."

The union said It was making progress with other train operators over the same dispute, including South Western Railway, Merseyrail and Greater Anglia.

Regional director for Northern Sharon Keith said: "On each day of the strike action we will be running fewer services and expect those services we do operate to be extremely busy.

"It is, therefore, vital that anyone thinking of travelling with Northern on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday plans their journey carefully."