Three train strikes expected to grind services to a halt over the next week have been called off.

People wishing to use the railways had been asked to travel only if absolutely necessary as thousands of workers were preparing for three separate 24-hour strikes on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

Involving Network Rail staff and employees at 14 train operating companies, the industrial action was expected to see only around 20% of services running and hundreds of stations closed.

But the RMT union has now announced that for the time being, all three walk-outs have been suspended - albeit Network Rail has said the late notice means that there is little chance services can be re-instated for tomorrow (Saturday) and disruption on Monday is to be expected.

The RMT union which represents thousands of railway workers has says it is now going to enter a 'period of intensive negotiations" with Network Rail and the rail companies.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

"We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

"Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions."

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, added: "It’s welcome news that the RMT has called off its strikes but the very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited, and while we, and our train company partners, will work without pause over the weekend, there will be limited ability to change the ‘strike timetable’ for Monday."