No 10 optimistic that deal to end rail strikes can soon be reached

With fresh talks expected this week, source says rail row is public sector dispute most likely to be resolved first

• UK strike calendar: service stoppages in January

Downing Street has expressed optimism that a solution to the current wave of rail strikes could be imminent, after the chief negotiator for Network Rail said a deal was in touching distance".

Fresh talks over the dispute, in which drivers and other staff were staging the first of five consecutive days of national rail strikes on Tuesday, were expected this week, a No 10 source said.