RAIL passengers will continue to face delays, cancellations and strikes after drivers for First North Western voted against a pay deal.

As well as drivers refusing to work overtime, leading to many trains being late or removed from the timetable, two 48-hour weekend strikes will take place on December 14 and 15, and December 21 and 22.

The train drivers' union, ASLEF, announced the stoppages yesterday after 62 per cent of its members voted against the latest pay offer offered by First North Western.