A rail strike which has crippled train services has been suspended to the relief of commuters using the Liverpool Street to Chingford line in Waltham Forest today.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) last night successfully negotiated improved pay and conditions from National Express East Anglia.

The RMT, and two other unions ALSEF and TSSA, has managed to increase pay from an 0.5 per cent increase to 3.5 per cent over two years with no conditions attached.

The strike had been planned to last all day today.

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary said:“No one should be in any doubt that this improved offer has been won through the commitment and determination of our members on National Express East Anglia to secure a fair deal.

“It’s their sacrifice over the past three weeks that has forced the companies hand and they can be proud of what they have achieved.”

A National Express spokesman said: “The normal service will be restored during the day, but there will be some alterations and disruption, particularly to early trains, as a result of displaced trains and train crew.”

Today's early Liverpool Street to Chingford services were cancelled but the line is now running as usual.