Following the announcement of new rail strike dates, many of those planning to attend one of Newcastle's sporting highlights of the year now will be worrying about their travel plans.
The RMT union has just revealed three more dates when members of 14 train operating companies will walk out and the last of these, July 29, affects Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse. The other dates will be July 20 and 22.
Ladies Day at Gosforth Park - like the upcoming Plate Day on July 1 - is hugely popular in the region but also attracts racegoers from all around the country, keen to share in an event that is seen by many as an opportunity to dress in their finest and enjoy a day of wining and dining, sport and, hopefully, sunshine. Lots of people travel to the city by rail and Cross Country Trains, LNER, Northern Trains and the Transpennine Express are just some of the services set to be affected by the upcoming strike.