A THREATENED bus strike in York has been called off at the last minute.

First York drivers last night voted to accept a last-gasp pay deal and avoid industrial action.

The new deal came after a massive majority voted last week to strike in protest at an earlier offer. The company's managing director, Brian Asquith, said today: "It has eventually been resolved. A vote took place yesterday afternoon and the majority of drivers voted in favour of the company's new offer.

"It's one obstacle out of the way and we can now get on with preparing to get new services running."

The company is due to introduce 100 state-of-the-art buses to the city on September 16, providing a faster, high frequency shuttle service in the city.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, August 31, 2001