RAIL passengers are being asked by First North Western not to travel on the company's services this weekend unless absolutely necessary as strike action looks set to go ahead.

At the time of going to press, talks between the train drivers' union ASLEF and the rail company had failed to end a dispute over drivers' pay.

Passengers travelling from Barrow to Manchester Airport, on the Lakes Line, and from Barrow to Lancaster and Carlisle, are advised to check with national rail inquiries on 08457-48 49 50.

The strike also looks likely to hit those travelling to Blackpool for the Labour Party conference.