North Wales passengers will be one of the only ones affected by West Coast railway strike action during December and January.

Virgin Trains West Coast line employees voted recently to take action over a pay dispute planning strikes for December 15 and 22 and January 5, 8, 26 and 29.

A statement released by Virgin Trains said contingency plans were in place so that no one is disadvantaged this festive and new year period.

However the Holyhead to London services are set to be the only ones affected, except for the 4.48am train and return service at 5.10pm, by the strike action.

Normal timetables will continue for services from London to Liverpool and Glasgow, while frequent services will still be on offer for London to West Midlands.

But Chester, North Wales, Edinburgh and Wilmslow will not be serviced on the days of the strikes.

"There is a replacement bus service between Chester and Crewe, and Arriva Trains Wales will accept tickets between Chester and North Wales stations," said a Virgin Trains statement.

"We recommend that customers check the details of their train before setting off for the station. Services are likely to be busier than usual, so customers are strongly advised to book a seat and avoid peak times if they do not have a reservation."

Strike action is set to still go ahead despite Virgin Trains offering a significantly above-inflation pay rise, an offer which has been rejected by RMT and TSSA unions.

Virgin Trains West Coast managing director, Phil Whittingham, said: “The RMT leadership is attempting to cause disruption when many will want to travel by train to spend time with loved ones.

"We have explored a generous 3.6% pay increase, however the unions’ leaderships are insisting on 4%, double the two percent average increase seen across the UK this year.

“We know how important it is for friends and families to get together over the festive season, so whilst we’re sorry for the disruption we will keep the majority of our trains running with fully-trained staff onboard and at stations.

"We remain open to talks with the RMT and TSSA, and urge them to call off these strikes which will cost their members pay for no gain.”