STRIKE action that could have impacted bus services across Bolton and Greater Manchester have been called off.

This comes after more than 1000 bus drivers accepted what the Unite union has called a "greatly improved pay offer."

Stagecoach buses take passengers from Bolton to Manchester and to Preston, with drives having now won a new offer of a 3.7 per cent pay increase backdated from 1 October 2021 as well as a £150 one off payment of £150.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a tremendous victory by members of Unite, who by standing together have ensured they will receive a fair pay increase from Stagecoach.

"As a union, Unite is wholly dedicated to bettering members’ jobs, pay and conditions, either through negotiations or industrial action if necessary."

Industrial action had initially been scheduled to take place later this month, before the fresh offer was made by Stagecoach after talks with the union.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: "The unity that our members have demonstrated ensured that Stagecoach returned to the negotiating table and made a fair pay offer that bus drivers could accept.

"This dispute has been resolved without any disruption to passengers or workers losing pay through having to resort to strike action."