Junior doctors have today taken to the picket lines as they unite in force for the second strike in a month.

Medics in Hampshire have joined thousands nationally launching industrial action in the climax of a bitter row over pay and conditions.

Nearly 100 doctors have gathered outside Southampton General Hospital waving banners and placards and chanting 'Save our NHS'.

In total 10 operations and 180 outpatient clinics were cancelled at the hospital.

The junior doctors are striking from 8am today for 24 hours where they will provide emergency care only.

Junior doctor Sohaib Rufai one of the main event organisers said: "We are all taking this industrial action with a heavy heart. But the proposed changes are still unsafe for patients and unfair for doctors.

The Government hasn't addressed our concerns relating to patient safety adequately. We are sending the message to make it clear to the Government that we will not allow these dangerous contracts to go through.

"Our jobs involve saving people's lives and doctors become tired we know they will make mistakes. Jeremy Hunt is proposing an increase in weekend cover with the same amount of weekday cover and without any more doctors. He needs to invest in recruitment of doctors."

He stressed that emergency cover is still available for patients and said: "The last thing we want is a single patient to be put at harm so we have robust contingency plans in place. If anyone needs emergency help they should come to hospital as normal."