Rail workers across Cumbria will be on strike today for the 41st consecutive Saturday as a long-running dispute over the role of guards on trains continues.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) working for Northern will walk out for 24 hours. Northern runs the Cumbrian coastal line, the Carlisle to Newcastle route as well as other county services.

Northern said very few of its services will run after 5pm, with trains expected to be "extremely busy".

Managing director David Brown said: "This targeted action disrupts our customers' lives, but, as we enter a vital period for businesses, it also damages the economic wellbeing of the north of England."

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "We continue to make every effort to get serious and meaningful talks going with Northern."