The drivers have decided not to work on Sunday

The train drivers, who normally work Sundays as overtime, have decided not to work on 12 December to highlight ongoing pay talks.

Midland Mainline says they have offered the union members a 4% pay rise, but that has been turned down.

Under the current agreement drivers are not contracted to work on Sundays.

'Voluntary' work

Mick Whelan, of train drivers union ASLEF, said: "We have had recent talks with Mainline but talks have not broken down.

"We will take the latest offer to our executive committee next week.

"Sundays are voluntary and some guys have decided not to come to work on that day," he said.

The cancellation affects passengers travelling on the entire Midland Mainline route from London to Sheffield, which also serves Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.

The action follows a similar cancellation in April which brought train services to a standstill.

Midland Mainline says it is very disappointed by the move and is reviewing the policy of not contracting drivers to work on Sundays.

Company spokesperson Emma Knight said: "We have 200-odd drivers and none of them has volunteered to work on Sunday - we believe it is over the pay talks."

The firm is advising passengers to avoid travelling on Sunday or to use alternative rail routes, or replacement bus services.

Passengers who have pre-booked tickets for Sunday, but decide not to travel, can request a full refund.