HUNDREDS of commuters faced chaos today as train drivers staged the first of three one-day strikes.

Anger erupted as commuters arrived at local stations at rush hour today only to find themeselves stranded as First North Western cancelled their trains.

Many faced a lengthy wait for buses laid on by the company to take them to their destinations.

The strike by more than 600 drivers from the Aslef union is over the sacking and downgrading of four drivers.

The train company said the sackings and disciplinary action have been taken to ensure the safety of passengers. One driver has been sacked after passing through two red signals.

But union members claim the disciplinary methods being used are "heavy handed".

Hundreds of passengers, many trying to reach work in Manchester arrived at Bolton's main rail station this morning unaware of the strike.

Notices placed on doors and windows at the station informed them that no First North Western trains would be running.

But many were angry that there had not been more publicity about the stoppage so they could make alternative arrangements.

One angry woman commuter said: "I catch the train every day into Manchester and on Thursday there were no warnings at the station that this would happen."

"I am not very pleased to say the least and I have no sympathy with the train drivers at all."

Her comments were echoed by other commuters as they waited for buses to turn up instead.

"I should have been in work at 7.30am," said Vivek Anand, who was still waiting for a bus into Manchester an hour later.

"I did not know about this at all. There has been a long holiday and I think there should have been more publicity."

Audrey Simpson, who was trying to get to Poulton-le-Flyde to visit her daughter, added: "This is ridiculous."

Union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a ballot two weeks ago and further strikes are planned for Friday and next Monday.

A spokesman for First North Western was adamant this lunchtime that the company will not reverse its decision over disciplinary action.

He confirmed the company is making efforts to find alternative transport for passengers.

The spokesman added: "We have laid on buses for customers but we do not have the capacity to cover every route."

"We apologise to all our passengers for the inconvenience caused by this unnecessary strike action."

The walkout has also been condemned by the North West Rail Passengers Committee, whose chairman, Brendan O' Friel said both sides in the dispute should get back round the negotiating table as soon as possible.