Some rail workers have been unhappy with Aslef

The Associated Train Crew Union (ATCU) is being launched on Wednesday after a year of turmoil within the leadership of Aslef, the industry's main union.

The general secretary and president of Aslef both lost their jobs last year after a brawl at a union barbecue.

The new union describes itself as "accountable and democratic" and has vowed to pursue rail workers' "natural desire for justice and equality".

ATCU says it has dozens of members already and hopes to gain more support over the coming months to rival Aslef's 16,000-strong membership.

A statement from the new union reads: "This union's aim is to promote a safe, efficient and rewarding railway industry.

"It will seek to encourage the growth of the rail network by encouraging the re-opening of old lines and improvement of current ones."

Steve Trumm, a train driver involved in the setting up of ATCU, said there were "massive concerns" among rail workers over their union representation.

Mr Trumm was expelled from Aslef last year after launching a rival website.

And Aslef leaders were embroiled in scandal last May when a union barbecue ended in a brawl.

The union's president, Martin Samways, resigned after the brawl.