Planned rail strikes this week affecting Dorset have been suspended following the death of the Queen.

The strike action was planned for Thursday and Saturday as part of a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions, but the unions involved have chosen to cancel it following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Weymouth-Waterloo operator South Western Railway (SWR) welcomed the news, saying it plans to reinstate normal service for the days that the strike was planned for and make preparations for the day of the Queen's funeral.

A spokesperson from SWR said: "South Western Railway is advising customers that, following the death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the strike action due to affect our network next week has been suspended by the trade unions involved and we welcome this decision.

"At a time of national mourning, we are united with the rest of the railway family in sending our condolences to His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family."

SWR say that they cannot yet confirm a timetable for the Queen's funeral on Monday September 19, but are expecting to be extremely busy on the day.