RAIL passengers travelling through Wiltshire over the weekend could face disruption because of a 72-hour strike by workers.

Members of the RMT union walked out on Friday morning meaning there will be no South Western Rail service between Salisbury and Bristol, including Bath, Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon today until Sunday at 23.59.

Great Western Services will continue to operate but the strike will mean services on the line will be less frequent and South Western Rail will not be running a replacement bus service.

The walk-out is the largest strike in a two-year dispute between the union and the rail operator in a row over the number of guards on trains.

The RMT's General secretary Mick Cash said: "We are angry and frustrated that the company's cavalier and contemptuous approach to talks leaves us no option but to continue our programme of industrial action.

"We know that passengers will share that anger."

In response SWR said: "We have held a number of productive meetings with our local union representatives to discuss the best method of operation of trains to deliver the most passenger benefits in terms of performance and customer benefits.

"We have also offered repeated reassurances that we are guaranteeing jobs, salaries and terms and conditions of guards."

There are two further strikes planned on Saturday September 8 for 24-hour hours and a second 24-hour strike for the week after.