The RMT union said it had decided to abandon the industrial action for the time being despite having staged one 24-hour strike.

The dispute involved senior conductors who felt they should have time off in exchange for working over Christmas.

Further action has been called off because the union has been invited to take part in talks with Central Trains and the conciliation service Acas.

Central Trains said in a statement it was pleased with the union's decision to call off the strikes on Sunday 27 April and Sunday 3 April.

Managers added they believed the company's position on Christmas pay was clear.

The RMT said it would wait for the outcome of the talks before deciding if further action was needed.

However, passengers travelling on Central Trains, which covers central England and Wales, are warned that some planned engineering work is being carried out.