RAIL passengers will be disruption again this weekend due to the latest in a long line of strikes.

A dispute over the role of train conductors between the RMT union and Northern has resulted in 46 days of strike action, with more planned each Saturday until mid-February.

Northern expect to run approximately 700 services – but with few operating after 5pm.

Those Northern trains that do run, and other operators’ services, are expected to be extremely busy.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Instead of misleading the public Northern should be reassuring their passengers by guaranteeing a safety critical guard on every train.

"That is the fundamental issue that sees our members standing firm and united again today on a 46th day in the fight for the principles of a safe and accessible railway for all."

David Brown, managing director at Northern, said: “More than 50% of all rail journeys in the UK are made on driver-controlled trains and recently the Department for Transport and Transport for the North publicly confirmed that a second person – in addition to the driver – would be retained on Northern services.

“This second person will provide customer service, including meeting customer needs on accessibility, safety, security, ticketing and information.

"Therefore, there is no reason for the RMT to continue its disruptive and economically damaging strikes but despite this, the RMT continues with its strike action.”

Other strikes are planned on Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 February.