Rail travellers across north east Wales are facing disruption as train drivers start the first of a series of two-day strikes.

The industrial action had been called off, but was reinstated last week when a deal on pay collapsed.

Services affected

Holyhead to Crewe Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog Wrexham to Bidston

Vernon Barker, First North Western Managing Director said the strike should not be going ahead.

"First North Western has done its utmost to avert the strike action.

"We believe that we reached a very good agreement that Aslef signed up to."

The 48-hour stoppage began at midnight on Tuesday.

Mr Barker said First North Western believed the situation had been rectified: "It is wrong for the union subsequently to change its mind and disrupt passengers in this way.

"We deeply regret the inconvenience that this action will cause."

More strikes are planned from 27 August and 10 September.

Talks are continuing on Tuesday to try to resolve the pay and working conditions dispute.

The drivers' union, Aslef, claims First North Western had introduced "new and unacceptable" proposals, including drivers taking responsibility for litter at stations.

The train company said the union had "reneged" on the deal, insisting it had not changed the agreement which would give drivers a 19% pay rise over three years.