STRIKES planned by train drivers in a dispute over disciplinary action were called off today after a deal was agreed.

Members of Aslef on First North Western were due to stage three further 24-hour walkouts, starting next Monday, in a row over the disciplining of union members.

The drivers have already held three strikes, which crippled the company's services across the North-west.

An agreement on disciplinary procedures has been reached, while the cases of four drivers at the centre of the dispute will go to an independent review, said Aslef.

"We are pleased that this dispute has now been resolved without the need for further strike action," said a spokesman.

"We hope that the lessons learned about the need for fairness and justice in disciplinary procedures will be noted throughout the industry."