Rail union Aslef was due to meet with operator First North Western at the arbitration service Acas in Manchester.

The meeting was arranged after talks over drivers' pay and conditions broke down last week, following a 48-hour strike that disrupted thousands of passengers.

More two-day strikes are planned in the coming weeks.

In principle the talks can go on for as long as it takes for an agreement to be reached

Aslef spokesman

A spokesman for Aslef told BBC News Online: "We're hopeful of reaching an agreement.

"However, at the moment there is no particular indication as to whether there is any sign of a breakthrough."

Aslef claims First North Western had introduced "new and unacceptable" proposals, including drivers taking responsibility for litter at stations.

Passenger 'inconvenience'

However, the train company insists the union reneged on an agreement previously reached to give drivers a 19% pay rise over three years.

Vernon Barker, managing director of First North Western, said he hoped an agreement could be reached as soon as possible.

He said: "We hope that during these talks, arranged through Acas, Aslef is constructive and recognises the inconvenience faced by passengers if further strike action occurs.

"We wish to reach an agreement acceptable to both parties as soon as possible and again state that we will stand by the agreement previously reached."

As well as the north west of England, First North Western also operates services across north Wales.

Further two-day strikes on the network are scheduled to start on 27 August and 10 September.