Train drivers have announced a series of train strikes expected to throw people’s December plans into chaos.

The rolling strikes by union Aslef will see staff at different train companies walk out on different days.

Disruption is planned for six dates between Saturday, December 2 and Friday, December 8.

Drivers are also refusing to work any overtime between December 1 and December 19.

Services are expected to be cancelled on strikes days while the overtime ban could also lead to some additional disruption. The move is expected to cause disruption to both commuters and those households looking to enjoy the build-up to Christmas.

The union, which rejected a pay offer back in the spring, has been embroiled in an 18 month-long disagreement with bosses over pay.

"Our members have spoken and we know what they think. Every time they vote - and they have voted overwhelmingly - for strike action in pursuit of a proper pay rise it is a clear rejection of the offer that was made in April," explained Aslef's general secretary Mick Whelan.

Strikes will take place on the following dates at the following train operating companies:

Saturday, December 2 at East Midlands Railway and LNER

Sunday, December 3 at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, and West Midlands Trains

Tuesday, December 5 at C2C and Greater Anglia

Wednesday, December 6 at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR main line, SWR depot drivers, and Island Line

Thursday, December 7 at CrossCountry and GWR

Friday, December 8 at Northern and TP

Elsewhere, train staff and rail workers in the RMT union are currently voting on whether to accept their latest pay deal.

Tens of thousands of RMT members have walked out repeatedly since last year as they campaign for better pay, greater job security and better working conditions.

The union’s vote closes on November 30 – just days before Aslef’s planned industrial action is set to begin.