Talks aimed at averting a strike by thousands of Network Rail workers over the bank holiday will be held today at the conciliation service.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union is planning a 24-hour walkout from 5pm on Monday May 25, and a 48-hour ban on overtime.

The union is warning that rail services will be at a standstill on Tuesday morning after Bank Holiday Monday if the strike goes ahead.

Union members have rejected a four-year deal worth £500 this year and three years of increases matching RPI inflation as well as a no compulsory redundancy commitment to December 2016.

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association have also voted for a strike.

Union leaders will meet NR bosses for talks at Acas.