Train operator Southern today launched a Twitter campaign urging passengers to protest about ongoing strike action - but it seems to be backfiring spectacularly.

Southern urged commuters to tweet the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union using the hashtag #SouthernBackOnTrack

They were asked to tell the union how important their journeys were, with Southern claiming: "They won't listen to us, but they may listen to you."

But it quickly became clear passengers, who have seen their journeys disrupted by a series of strikes over proposals to limit the work of train guards on platforms, were not playing ball.

Commuters have instead used the hashtag to let Southern, which operates the Tonbridge to London line via Redhill and Ashford to Brighton via Hastings, know exactly how they feel.

Many have said the service was poor even before the strikes began and have told managers to resign.

The operator has set a deadline of this Thursday for the RMT to accept the changes or it will terminate conductors' contracts and press ahead with the proposals.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 commuters have pledged £21,000 towards funding an application for a judicial review into the Government's handling of the Southern franchise.

The organisers are hoping to raise £25,000 and are £4,000 short with one day to go.

A selection of the tweets sent so far are below.