A proposed bus strike that would have hit pre-Christmas passengers in Aireborough, Horsforth and Wharfedale tomorrow has been called off.

The industrial action - sparked over a pay freeze - by drivers for travel company First has been suspended after the company made a renewed offer to the workers following two days of meetings between managers and trade union Unite.

The decision means that all First buses in the Leeds area, including ones which service communities around Otley, Ilkley and Aireborough and Christmas park and ride services , will now run as normal on Saturday.

Unite is recommending that the new pay offer be accepted, by 1,025 members in Leeds who are involved in the dispute, at a ballot that will take place on Monday.

First’s Managing Director in West Yorkshire, Dave Alexander, said: “I would like to thank Unite for suspending Saturday’s strike action and ensuring that our customers will not be inconvenienced on the last Saturday before Christmas.

"Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused by this industrial action. First would like to thank all of our customers for their patience whilst we work to reach an agreement with our staff."