There will be "significant disruption" within the NHS as junior doctors across Norfolk have today begun a four-day strike in the longest period of strikes  seen this winter.

The action will see hundreds of operations and appointments cancelled throughout the county's hospitals.

The BMA union, representing the junior doctors, has asked for a 35% pay rise which the government have said is unaffordable.

Managers have said patient care is “on a knife edge” because of the strike.

East of England medical director, Dr Edward Morris, said: "If you have an operation or appointment planned, you will likely hear that it has been cancelled if it is going to be cancelled.

"If you do not hear that it has been cancelled, please turn up as you have already been advised."

National medical director of NHS England Professor Sir Stephen Powis warned services “will be stretched”, adding the junior doctor strikes “will cause significant disruption”.

He adds: “We’ve been working hard with local hospitals, with local health systems to ensure that staff are there to put in place the cover that is required in emergency services in particular. So that’s A&E departments, critical care, maternity services - but those services will be stretched."