LAST-ditch talks were taking place yesterday in an attempt to avert strike action later this week by Arriva trains staff.

Services throughout the North-East were disrupted last week during a two-day strike and staff were threatening to walk out again on Tuesday and Wednesday, in a deepening row over pay and conditions.

Talks between bosses and unions had broken down but, last night, the parties were back round the negotiating table.

Last week, Arriva said its final offer was a three per cent pay rise, but added that the strike action had cost the company almost £2.5m in lost revenue