RAIL passengers were last night urged to check before they travel ahead of the latest "costly and damaging" strike action by Arriva Trains Northern conductors.

The company said it hoped again to be able to provide a robust service for customers during a series of strikes called by the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over the festive period.

Conductors will walk out tomorrow, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in their dispute over pay.

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said it was very disappointed that the union had decided to strike at one of the most important times of the year.

Customers travelling during the strikes or who use early-morning services on Sunday and New Year's day should check before they set off for the rail stations.

Mr Price said: "Due to the excellent support of those employees not engaged in the strike and my management team's hard work, we will provide a robust service for customers during the RMT's four strike days.

"Once again we urge the RMT to recognise the futility of their strike action and the costly and damaging effect the disruption is having on the region and on our customers."

The RMT recently rejected a fresh pay offer of a four per cent basic rise with one per cent on top from changes to working practices plus a £200 one-off lump sum.

Passengers travelling on strike days are asked to contact Arriva Trains Northern on 0870 602 3322 or National Rail Inquiries on 0845 748 4950.

The rail timetable can also be viewed on the Internet at www.arriva.co.uk.