ARRIVA has hit back at claims that trains are being cancelled because of staff shortages.

The train operator rejected claims by union bosses that services are being stopped because the company had put conductor's overtime work on hold.

Last week, the Rail Maritime and Transport workers' union (RMT) announced that conductors would hold a fresh round of 24-hour strikes over a pay dispute.

In response, Arriva Trains Northern has stopped conductors from working on rest days and doing overtime - a move which the union claims has led to trains being cancelled.

The cancellations have been causing misery for hundreds of passengers.

A spokesman for RMT said: "We believe this has come about because they are stopping conductors on the trains working rest days and overtime, and the company themselves have taken that step.

"Trains being cancelled is having a huge effect on passengers. The company has done it to themselves."

A company spokeswoman said: "Arriva Trains Northern does not have a shortage of conductors.

"As with any business, various factors can affect the availability of personnel, including sickness, holidays and personal issues."