A series of rail strikes due to start tomorrow – Saturday - has been called off at the last minute.

The decision was announced by the RMT rail union, which said the industrial action would be suspended pending a new round of talks.

SWR and other companies had warned people not to travel on the trains unless absolutely necessary with disruption planned to run from Saturday to Monday.

However, the RMT chief Mick Lynch and colleagues are now set to enter talks with Network Rail and the Train Operating Companies.

The RMT said it has secured 'unconditional' talks on Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies.

The union said the dispute remains "very much live" and it is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on 15 November.

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.

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

"Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will."