Unions and the Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus have failed to reach an agreement over pay and duties for control room staff.

The workers will go on strike on Thursday unless Nexus addresses concerns over their increased responsibilities.

Unison wants more pay for its members for what it says is an increased workload.

More talks are being held on Wednesday to try to avert the strike.

'Dedicated staff'

A Nexus spokesman told BBC News Online: "We have made an offer which they are considering, and we are waiting for their decision.

"The industrial action will go ahead on Thursday unless agreement is reached. We are hopeful we can come to an agreement."

Further one-day stoppages are planned for August if no settlement is reached.

Public transport users in the area have already suffered several bus and rail strikes in recent months - including stoppages by Metro drivers.

The union says its members are "dedicated staff" who have been forced into their action because of a lack of progress with Nexus over their concerns.

Control room staff are responsible for power lines and controlling the movement of trains across the entire system, as well as dealing with the information and inquiry service.