Strikes by workers on Southern Railway have been called off to allow fresh talks to take place.

The mediation service ACAS says new discussions will happen between bosses and unions over a dispute about the role of conductors on trains.

Staff are on the third day of a five-day walkout, which started on Monday.

The dispute centres on the role of conductors on trains, with the union arguing plans to run trains with just one member of staff could put the public at risk.

An Acas spokesman said: ''Southern and the RMT are returning to talks tomorrow under the auspices of Acas. Strike action has been suspended for Thursday and Friday.'