The "victimisation" of a platform staff member at Watford Junction has sparked strike action on the London Midland Euston to Tring service.

RMT, the rail union, has voted more than nine to one for both strike action and action short of a strike over what they regard as the victimisation of union member Steve Caldwell - a senior member of platform staff at Watford with more than 32 years service.

The ballot result and the mandate for action will now be considered by the union’s executive.

The union claims the charges against Mr Caldwell amount to "a sustained campaign of harassment in response to his questioning of safety issues and his level of influence with union colleagues".

They say the allegations have not been corroborated, but he has been shifted miles from his regular place of work as "punishment".

RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: "The treatment of RMT activist and long-standing staff member Steve Caldwell by London Midland has been nothing short of shocking and the anger amongst our members is reflected in this massive vote for action.

"RMT had no choice to ballot our London Midland for members for action to defend workplace justice. That executive of the union will now consider the next steps and RMT remains available for talks."