Strike action by a rail union which has caused chaos across north-west England and north Wales has been suspended.

The drivers' union Aslef informed First North Western on Thursday the action would cease so a ballot on a new pay deal could be taken.

The dispute has been going on for months, with a series of 48-hour stoppages over the past four weekends.

Vernon Barker, First North Western's managing director said: "We warmly welcome this move and are delighted to be able to offer passengers a service this weekend."

The latest offer gives drivers a 19% rise, to be phased in over three years, for a 35-hour, four-day working week.

The basic salary for a driver will reach �28,000 by January 2004.

The result of the ballot is expected on 19 November.