Striking Arriva bus drivers form picket line on Eastbank Street in Southport

Arriva bus drivers have formed a  picket line on Eastbank Street in Southport as the fight for better pay and conditions.

Arriva North West (ANW) said it was unable to run services in Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester after industrial action began at 02:00 BST.

The firm, which will run a limited Cheshire service, said it had offered staff a "generous pay rise" of 8.5%.

The union Unite said a significant raise was "vital" for those facing cost of living rises.

ANW said only its Macclesfield services, with the exception of service 38, and the Liverpool Clatterbridge Hospital Shuttle service would run as planned.