STRIKE action has been averted as Warburtons bakery staff accepted an improved pay offer.

Up to 1,400 workers across the country, including 400 at two bakeries in Bolton, planned to walk out in a row over pay last month.

But Warburtons put forward a new pay offer of 3.9 per cent, which has been accepted by members of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union.

In June, a 3.2 per cent increase on bakers' hourly pay was rejected, as was a 3.7 per cent offer in July.

The affected workers are employed by the firm on a three-grade pay structure, receiving hourly rates of £5.77, £5.92 or £6.07.

The family baker's head office is in Hereford Street, Bolton, and it also runs a Variety Bakery, Britannia Way, Tonge Moor.

A Warburtons spokesman said: "Warburtons can confirm that an agreement has been reached with the union.

"Warburtons believes that this is an extremely competitive offer within the food industry and is pleased with the result."