MORE than 800 One railway staff will take part in two 24 hour strikes in support of a sacked train guard.

Paul Yarwood was dismissed by the rail operator over an incident with an alleged fare evader at Colchester's North station in June.

The latest strikes will take place on Saturday September 15 and Monday September 17 and are supported by union members across the company.

Those involved will also refuse to sell advance tickets to people wishing to travel on these two days.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Our members across One have shown their solidarity with Paul and their disgust at the company's attitude to its own staff's safety.

"It is astonishing that the company still seems to have its head buried in the sand, not least because of the huge support that Paul has had from members of the public.

"Our members will be leafleting passengers during the strike to explain that the company's bizarre stance has left us no option but to strike again, this time right across the company.

"The size of the strike vote should have told One' everything they need to know about the effect their failure to support their staff is having on the people who have to face the daily danger of threats, abuse and assaults."

More than 100 One staff in Colchester, Manningtree and Chelmsford took part in two days of strike action on August 18 and 20.

A spokeswoman for One railway said: "One is extremely disappointed that the RMT is intending to proceed with industrial action on September 15 and 17.

"One railway remains keen to talk with the RMT and avert industrial action."

She added intercity services between Norwich and London were likely to be hourly - instead of half hourly - during the strike, with some extra peak time services.

Mainline services to Clacton, Braintree and Harwich are likely to be unaffected.

Mr Yarwood denied a charge of threatening behaviour at Colchester Magistrates Court and will face a trial in November.