Up to 180 buses will be used in the North West to combat the first of a series of weekend rail strikes.

Rail firm First North Western (FNW) took the step after talks broke down with train drivers' union Aslef this week over a long-running pay dispute.

Services throughout the region and north Wales will be suspended for 48 hours from Saturday, with further weekend strikes planned until 24 November.

FNW has boosted the numbers of buses to try to minimise disruption to delegates travelling to the Labour Party conference in Blackpool this weekend.

'Unacceptable strings'

On Friday, FNW's managing director urged passengers to be "understanding" about inevitable delays.

He said: "We are doing our best to provide suitable replacement services across our networks."

The dispute with the drivers centres on a 19% pay offer, which Aslef has rejected because it says there are "unacceptable strings" attached to the deal.

Mick Rix, the union's general secretary, has particularly condemned plans to ask drivers to pick up litter at stations.

'Excellent offer'

In response, the union has also called a halt to rest-day working for drivers, which could mean there will be a knock-on effect for FNW services during the week.

Mr Barker described the package as an "excellent offer".

He said it had been further improved this week with more favourable notice periods for drivers.

However, Mr Rix said FNW has its "hands tied" by the Strategic Rail Authority over what it can offer drivers.

He has written to the authority in a bid to bring the dispute to an end.