Rail managers say long-running strike action by train conductors in the north of England is starting to crumble.

The pay dispute between Arrriva Trains Northern and the Rail Maritime Transport Union (RMT) started in January.

Arriva managers say as many as 10% of strikers, or 70 conductors, turned up for work during the latest walk-out on Wednesday.

But RMT official Stan Herschel said: "Maybe around half of their estimate, 30 at the most, have turned up for work.

Bank Holiday

"After more than eight months, more than 95% are still on strike - the strike remains solid among conductors."

Arriva officials estimate that striking conductors have lost about �2,500 of pay since the dispute began, and some believe this marks the start of a drift back to work.

The company says the union is intent on causing as much disruption as possible by striking on Wednesday and again on Saturday.

Train services will be affected across north England at the start of the Bank Holiday weekend.

A two year pay offer aimed at settling the dispute, one of the longest rail strikes in the UK, has been rejected.

Cleaning duties

Arriva has accused the RMT of refusing even to consider the offer, which it said would add �1,000 to workers' salaries.

The union claims the offer was worse than one tabled at the start of the dispute.

It says workers are being asked to accept compulsory overtime, take up cleaning duties and give up time for being on duty on New Year's Day.

Arriva says 75% of its network will be covered by trains despite the strike, although it advises customers to check before travelling.