Train workers are planning a fresh strike as the long-running dispute of over staffing and driver-only trains.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Arriva Rail North, which operates as Northern in Cumbria, will stage a walk-out on Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4.

The union accused the companies and the Government of pressing ahead with controversial plans to extend driver-only operation.

It is unclear at this stage what and how routes in Cumbria will be affected.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash had a meeting with Arriva Rail North but accused the company of "intransigence", adding: "The responsibility for the inevitable disruption lies wholly with the company.

"We are angry and frustrated that Arriva continue to fail to face up to the facts and also continue to ignore a perfectly reasonable union proposal to invite the DfT (Department for Transport) to join us in round-table talks aimed at finding a solution.

"The public, who support RMT's campaign for a guarantee of a guard on their trains, will be appalled that Arriva Rail North have failed yet again to offer any kind of progress whatsoever in the talks and have instead opted to try and bulldoze through their plans regardless."

Alan Chaplin, Northern's managing director, said: "Following our meeting with RMT's general secretary, there is no doubt that the trade union calling two days of strikes timed to coincide with people across the north returning to school, college and work after the holidays, will damage the region's economy, significantly disrupt our customers' lives, and impact local businesses.

"Northern is prepared to guarantee jobs and current pay for all our conductors for the next eight years, until the end of our franchise.

"Our offers to discuss every detail on the future responsibilities and training for on-board colleagues have been rejected by RMT.

"Northern is modernising with new and updated trains, faster and more frequent services, and better stations from now until 2020.

"We want to make changes to the on-board colleague role to make it fit for the future, better supporting customers on trains and at stations."