A rail strike scheduled for Remembrance Day has been called off after a plea from the British Legion.

The walkout by member of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers' union (RMT) was planned for the Southern network between November 3 and 5 as a row over the changing role of conductors continues.

However, after the RMT was contacted by the armed forces' veterans charity the November 3 strike was suspended.

Planned action for November 4 and 5, 22 and 23 and December 6 to 8 will go ahead.

General Secretary Mick Cash said: "This decision has been made after close consideration and following a personal request from the British Legion. The union recognises the very special importance of that particular day and as result has agreed to suspend the action planned for 3rd November. The rest of the scheduled action goes ahead‎ as planned."