A series of rail strikes due to start on Saturday (November 5) - have been called off at the last minute.

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

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

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.

"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."

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.

However, the timing of the cancellation means that services across the weekend could still be impacted.

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's chief negotiator, said: "The very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited."

Services on Monday, November 7, may also be affected.