RAIL services could be hit as 600 train drivers employed by First North Western vote on strike action.

The ballot, involving 600 drivers, could lead to 24-hour strikes on local train services. The result of the ballot is expected later this week.

Train drivers 'union Aslef is in dispute over the introduction of a 35-hour week. General Secretary Mick Rix said: "First North Western are breaking a signed undertaking they gave this union to introduce a 35-hour working week for their train drivers by May of this year."

"Drivers are determined to make the company stick to its word and if that means industrial action, so be it."