FIRST Capital Connect (FCC) has responded to this week's news which has seen the balloted strike on the Thameslink route cancelled.

Drivers refusing to work rest days and overtime have left the services in turmoil and running on a reduced timetable.

Their union, Aslef, recommended this week that they accept a revised pay offer from FCC and they have until mid-January to make a decision.

The FCC website reads: “We are pleased that Aslef has withdrawn the ballot for industrial action.

“The union has considered our revised pay offer and agreed to recommend it for acceptance to members.

“The offer is spread over two years and includes productivity based increases.

“We are working jointly with Aslef to encourage our drivers to resume rest day and overtime working – our aim being to provide a full, normal service to our customer as quickly as possible.”