TRAIN drivers have called off a series of one-day strikes, the first set to start tomorrow, which would have hit commuters across Lancashire.

The drivers' union Aslef and train company First North Western ended a two-month row over a 35-hour working week, after two days of talks in London.

Aslef had planned seven one-day strikes over the coming weeks, ending them on August 27 -- Bank Holiday Monday.

The drivers were also set to introduce a ban on overtime and rest-day working today, which was likely to severely disrupt local services.

First North Western operates regular services via Blackburn Station between Colne and Blackpool South and Clitheroe and Manchester Victoria.

The trains are heavily used by commuters to Blackburn, Preston and Manchester.

A spokesman for Aslef claimed after the talks had reached agreement that First North Western had given in to their demands.

He said: "We have got the 35- hour working week, which will take effect in September. We will also receive compensation for the delay it has taken imposing it.

"All overtime arrangements remain the same.

"This is good news for drivers and passengers. We are pleased we will not have to disrupt services."

A spokesman for First North Western said: "It has been our concern throughout the negotiations that industrial action be avoided in order to prevent any inconvenience to commuters.

"While it is happy with the outcome, First North Western is disappointed that Aslef backtracked on the deal previously agreed, which put commuters through a protracted waiting period before a settlement was reached."

He added: "We are delighted that an agreement has been reached and that industrial action has been avoided.

"It is always our concern that passengers receive the best service possible and the fact that there will be no disruption on the dates suggested is excellent news for everyone."

Aslef had claimed that First North Western management had torn up an agreement to intorduce a 35-hour week, and drivers voted last week by 374 votes to 19 for the walk-outs.

But First North Western managing director Dave Kaye said before the talks began that they had put proposals to Aslef which would have achieved the hours agreement on "nil cost." However, Aslef had later stated they expected the company to fund it.