Thousands of rail customers across the region have been affected today as the Rail Maritime and Transport Union started a 48-Hour strike.

Arriva Trains Northern has had to cancel all but a handful of today's trains after negotiations between management and the RMT union broke down last night.

The disagreement is over a pay increase for train conductors.

The RMT say there are massive pay differences between rail workers but Arriva insist they have offered the same 3 percent increase across the board.

Bob Crow, the RMT's assistant general secretary said: "What does it do to morale when one group of workers gets a massive increase?"

The RMT have refused an eight percent settlement for conductors and have in turn demanded a 22.5 percent rise. Arriva said the eight percent rise will bring the salary of conductors from £15,500 to £16,763 with an additional 5 percent through productivity increases.

At Newcastle Central Station, RMT regional organiser Stan Herschel said "People have voted with their feet, this station is empty. Normally, you cannot move in this station at this time of the morning."

The strike came after the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority failed in their attempt to calm the situation between the two groups.

Both sides have apologised for stoppages and normal services are expected to resume on Saturday. Arriva Trains Northern and the RMT are due to meet again next week.