TRAVELLERS in the North-East should be relatively unaffected by the latest in a series of rail strikes planned for next month.

Services will be disrupted on the routes of 12 train companies on May 6, 7, 27 and 28, when members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) will walk out.

The only company affected by the 48-hour strikes which operates in the North-East is Virgin Cross Country, which is advising passengers to travel as usual on the days of action.

Services out of Birmingham to Newcastle and York will be operating on a revised timetable, with 70 per cent planned to run.