Northern has announced that Sunday train services will be re-introduced between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent.

The rail operator has confirmed a 'landmark agreement' has been reached with conductors and the RMT Union that will allow them to restore more Sunday services in the North West.

From Sunday 15 November, five trains in each direction will be reintroduced on the Manchester to Stoke line.

Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: "This is a genuinely groundbreaking agreement and a hugely positive moment for our customers, our colleagues and the railway across the North of England.

"Bringing an end to the longest-running trade dispute on the railway gives us the opportunity to look forward and, importantly, start delivering the improvements our customers have been waiting for.

"We want people to have confidence that they can travel by train on a Sunday, whether they are going to work, visiting friends and family, heading into a city centre or enjoying a day out. This agreement gives us the foundation to build a more reliable, modern railway that works seven days a week.

Northern announced that they will begin restoring between 60 and 80 additional Sunday train services across the North West over the coming weeks with around 230 Sunday trains expected to be restored by May next year.

"We know how frustrating the lack of Sunday services has been for many communities. We are committed to bringing services back as quickly as we can, taking a phased approach over the coming months and prioritising those routes and journeys where the impact has been greatest.

"I would also like to recognise the constructive work with the RMT in reaching this agreement. It demonstrates what can be achieved through working together, and gives us a real opportunity to move forward."

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "The resolve of our members having fought for years, including multiple days of strike action, the efforts of all involved and the distinct change in direction from this government backing the deal has enabled us to reach this successful conclusion."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, added: "This is a landmark moment for passengers across the north-west who for too long, have suffered from second-rate services and unacceptable levels of disruption.

"We're paving the way for the biggest transformation to travel in the North in a generation, unlocking jobs, homes and opportunities and creating a world-class economic growth corridor that people of the region need and deserve.

"These extra Sunday services are part of that change, meaning more people will be able to get to Christmas markets, see family and friends, and do their festive shopping by train."

David Williams, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove has welcomed the announcement.

He said: "Since I was elected just over two years ago, residents of Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove have consistently raised their frustrations with me about the loss of services on this line. Passengers deserve a service that they can rely on and be proud.

"This has been lacking for a very considerable period of time and I know it has been miserable for residents across our area.

"I am therefore pleased that the Secretary of State heard the calls from residents across Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas to get Northern Trains and the RMT Union around the table so that they could find a solution which means passengers can expect more frequent and reliable train services locally.

"Whilst this is great news for Stoke station, the issue was felt most acutely in Kidsgrove where no alternative was available. I am delighted, too, that trains on the Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Piccadilly line are being prioritised.

"This will make travel easier for families and commuters, especially in the run up to Christmas."