RAIL travellers face another weekend of misery after talks over a new improved pay offer for drivers failed.

The union ASLEF rejected the latest deal from First North Western this week, leading to another strike on Saturday and Sunday.

None of the company's trains will run on popular routes through Bolton to Manchester, Blackpool, Blackburn and Wigan.

A replacement bus service will be in place, but journey times will be significantly longer.

A series of 48 hour stoppages are planned every weekend until November 24. ASLEF is also refusing to renew an agreement to allow drivers to work their rest days, leading to further disruption as weekday services are affected.