Bus services across the borough are disrupted today for the first in a series of strikes over pay ahead of Christmas.

Drivers began a picket of the Fulwell Bus Station before dawn this morning amid concerns the industrial action will make life difficult for, among others, youngsters getting to school.

Members of Unite employed by Abellio in south and west London are set to take 10 days of action over the festive season.

The Abellio services run across the Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington area, with some on routes through to Kingston.

They include the heavily used R68 and R70. Also on the list are the H20, H25, H26, the 490 and 969, the 267 and 285, the 111.

The strike dates are today - November 22 – with more to follow on November 25, and 26; and then on December 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.

The union said the company had not made an offer on pay even though an increase is due in January.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Abellio is a vastly wealthy multinational company that could and should be paying its workers a fair pay increase.

"Unite is now entirely focused on defending and enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and the bus drivers at Abellio will be receiving the union's complete support."