Bus staff suspend strike action

Councils had previously warned some school buses would be affected

A strike by Stagecoach bus staff in the north east of Scotland and Highlands over pay has been suspended and union members are to be balloted again.

The walkout by about 500 staff had been expected to hit school transport in the affected areas on Thursday.

Aberdeenshire Council and Highland Council said buses would run as normal.

The T&G Unite union announced it would re-ballot staff following last-minute talks with the company. A walkout next Wednesday has also been suspended.

Details of the terms will be made known to members when a postal ballot drops through their letter box.

Union spokesman Tommy Campbell said it did not mean future strikes were definitely cancelled.