Planned strikes by engineers on Southern Railway due to start this weekend have been suspended after a breakthrough in last-minute talks.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union were due to walk out from 5pm on Sunday for five days, and not work any overtime this weekend, in a dispute over the working week, rosters and productivity.

General secretary Mick Cash said the company had agreed to a phased reduction in the working week to 37 hours by May 2017.

He said: "Southern recognises that the hard work and commitment of our engineering staff has contributed towards the efficient operation of the company over the life of the franchise and any pay offer will be fully cognisant of this fact.

"In recognition of this major breakthrough, it has been agreed to suspend both the strike action and the overtime ban."

Meanwhile, the RMT said the second day of a strike by its members on First Great Western in a separate dispute over new trains was being "solidly" supported.

Southern said in a statement: "During forthcoming pay talks, Southern will make an offer which will include a reduction in the working week, in a phased way, to a 37 hour week by May 2017 as part of a multi-year deal.

"Southern recognises that the hard work and commitment of our engineering staff has contributed towards the efficient operation of the company over the life of the franchise and any pay offer will be fully cognisant of this fact.

"In recognition of this the RMT has agreed to suspend the current dispute."