A RAIL union has confirmed it will be holding renewed talks with rail bosses later this month.

The move is aimed at trying to find a solution for the year long dispute between the RMT and Southern over the introduction of driver only trains.

The union has carried out 31 days of strike action so far, with the most recent a 24-walkout on Saturday.

The talks will tale place on April 24 and 25.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The union welcomes the opportunity to engage with Southern Rail in further talks.

"We would prefer the process to get underway sooner if that was possible.

“We expect there to be no efforts to undermine these important talks from other parties and that they will be allowed to take place free from external interference.”

Members of the drivers union Aslef recently rejected a deal drawn up between union chiefs and Southern to end the similar dispute they have with the rail firm.