RAIL union chief Bob Crow will be in the North-East today to support striking Arriva Trains Northern conductors.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) general secretary is in Durham City where he will meet those taking part in a 24-hour stoppage.

Conductors working for the train operator began their 15th day-long strike from midnight.

Arriva conductors plan to march from the railway station to the city centre where they will join the Durham Miners' Gala.

Mr Crow said: "Our conductors have made it clear time and time again that they will not accept Arriva Trains Northern's paltry pay offer of four per cent when drivers in the same company have been awarded 18 per cent with all sorts of extras."

Ray Price, the firm's managing director, said: "I hope that our conductors will recognise the futility of this strike, appreciate the inconvenience they are causing our customers, and the damage this continuing dispute is doing to the rail industry and its employees.

"I can assure our customers that, with the excellent support of those employees not engaged in the strike, we will be providing as many services as possible on Saturday."

The RMT recently rejected a four per cent pay offer and has announced a series of strike dates including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Arriva Trains Northern is encouraging its customers to check before they travel today by contacting customer relations on 0870 602 3322 or rail inquiries on 08457 484950.