Rail strikes are set to hit Dorchester and the whole Great Western Railway network this week.

The strike days will begin from tomorrow, Wednesday 5th October, and continue up to and including Saturday 8th October.

GWR has advised passengers to "only travel if absolutely necessary" and has said that on strike days "an extremely limited service will operate between 7:30am and 6:30pm."

There will be no replacement bus services.

This month's industrial action marks the fourth month of disruption, with strikes in June, July, and August having already taken place this year.

What days will be affected by the strikes?

Wednesday 5 October (strike day)

Extremely limited service, trains only between Bristol and London Paddington, Reading and Oxford, Reading and Basingstoke.

No other trains on GWR network.

Thursday 6 October (strike day)

Extremely limited service, trains only on several main routes such as London Paddington to Bristol with some extensions to Exeter and Plymouth.

No other trains on GWR network.

Friday 7 October (strike day)

Extremely limited service, trains only on several main routes such as London Paddington to Bristol with some extensions to Exeter and Plymouth.

No other trains on GWR network.

Saturday 8 October (strike day)

Extremely limited service, trains only on several main routes such as London Paddington to Bristol.

No other trains on GWR network.

Sunday 9 October

Some morning services cancelled, but the normal timetable is in operation.

Trains are expected to be extremely busy. Tickets for Sunday are also valid on Monday and Tuesday.

What if I already have tickets?

GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on alternative days as follows:

• Tickets for travel on 1 October are valid for travel on 30 September, 2, 3, and 4 October
• Tickets for travel on 2 October are valid for travel on 2, 3, and 4 October
• Tickets for travel on 5 October are valid for travel on 4, 6, and 7 October
• Tickets for travel on 6 October are valid for travel on 4, 5, 6, and 7 October
• Tickets for travel on 7 October are valid for travel on 4, 5, 6, and 7 October
• Tickets for travel on 8 October are valid for travel on 7, 9, 10, and 11 October

If you have already bought tickets for strike days, you can claim a full refund or amend your ticket.

If you travel and are delayed, you may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation.