STRIKE action by RMT due to disrupt rail services on February 22, March 9 and March 16, has been called off following a “breakthrough” in talks with South Western Railway.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said there had been "substantial progress" in talks with the company, which he said had now offered a guarantee of a guard on services that have been in dispute.

Mr Cash said: "We need to recognise that the breakthrough on the guard guarantee that has been secured today from South Western Railway has only been achieved through nearly two years of action and campaigning by RMT members on the principle of a safe and accessible railway for all."

An SWR spokesman said: "We are looking forward to further constructive discussions with the RMT and are hopeful that by building on this breakthrough we can see an end to this industrial action and together build a better railway for our customers."