Local stations could be left without ticket offices as early as next week.

A process to shut nearly all of Britain's railway station ticket offices could begin next week, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has warned.

Almost 1,000 offices are rumoured to be targeted for closure under government proposals to cut costs and "modernise" railways.

The first stage in the process will come in early July, according to rail sources quoted by the campaign group, the Association of British Commuters.

Such campaign groups have warned that cutting ticket offices will make it harder for vulnerable or disabled passengers to travel by rail.

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "There are rumours circulating online that the DfT plans to announce mass ticket office closures next week.

"The train operating companies and the government must understand that we will vigorously oppose any moves to close ticket offices.

"We will not meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result.

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"RMT will bring into effect the full industrial force of the union to stop any plans to close ticket offices, including on our upcoming strike days of July 20, 22 and 29 in the national rail dispute."