Strikes by rail unions at two companies have disrupted train services across northern England.

Train drivers belonging to the union Aslef are taking part in a 48-hour stoppage at First North Western (FNW) - for the fourth weekend in a row.

Conductors belonging to the Rail Maritime Union (RMT) are staging a 24-hour strike on Arriva Trains Northern (ATN).

It is their 20th episode of industrial action since January.

Arriva claims 75% of services are running, but the RMT disputes the company's claim.

Bob Crow denies 75% of trains are running

BBC correspondent John Thorne in Skipton, North Yorkshire, said he had seen a number of trains filled with passengers travelling in both directions.

But he also stressed that some commuters had faced disruption as well.

The RMT union wants a 10% pay rise for its conductors, but the company has offered only 4%.

Arriva said its offer was better than deals accepted by the union from other train operators, and urged RMT to go to arbitration.

Arriva managing director Ray Price said: "We share our customers' frustration for the inconvenience they will suffer with this further strike action and would like to assure them that with the excellent support of those employees not engaged in the strike, we will be providing as many services as possible."

Bob Crow, the RMT's general secretary, said: "It is clear that the company could not care less about keeping promises, getting rid of poverty pay or running train services."

More strikes

Mr Crow claimed the company and the Strategic Rail Authority were blaming each other for the dispute and his members were "caught in the middle".

Passengers across the country are to face more disruption after Mr Crow said some RMT members will walk-out when firefighters go on strike.

He said some London Underground and rail workers would face safety risks if there is no cover provided by the fire service.

Passenger frustration

For passengers, the mood seems to have slipped from frustration to resignation.

"I've just got used to them - I plan around them, that's all and let them get on with it," said one.

"I think they probably deserve more than they're getting - but maybe not as much as they're asking," said another.

First North Western was again laying on buses to replace trains affected by the Aslef strike, but was not expecting to run any trains.

Further weekend strikes are planned by the FNW drivers until 24 November.