Planned strikes by First North Western train drivers could be averted, the company has said.

The firm said it was optimistic the long-running dispute with members of the drivers' union Aslef would end after it put a new offer on the table.

Strikes currently planned for the weekends of 14-15 December and 21-22 December would affect rail users across north west England and north Wales.

Aslef executives meet on Monday to discuss the new offer, which covers pay and conditions of service.

First North Western's managing director Vernon Barker said: "We have done everything in our power to reach an agreement.

Services returning

"We hope that Aslef will withdraw the threat of strike action for the sake of our passengers."

From Monday, the rail company will reinstate about a third of services withdrawn earlier this year after drivers refused to work on rest days.

About 50 services will also return to the timetable.

More than 30 new drivers have completed their training in the last three months.

First North Western said their deployment would "significantly" reduce the need for rest day working.

The pay dispute has witnessed a series of 48-hour strikes causing widespread disruption to commuters.

The firm's latest offer had been for a 19% increase over two years.

It would have provided a driver with a basic salary of �28,000 for a 35-hour, four-day working week.