Strike action that has affected the entire First Manchester bus service has ended after drivers accepted a 'vastly improved' pay offer.

The Unite union says the 300 plus drivers have accepted an offer which will see pay rates increase by 8.9 per cent.

In addition to the increase in basic pay, the drivers will see all other payments increase by the same percentage and they will also receive a one-off payment of £750.

In total, bus drivers took eight days of strike action since the beginning of the year in the dispute, which caused considerable disruption to bus passengers throughout Greater Manchester.

The drivers recorded a 70 per cent yes vote to accept the improved pay offer.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “From the beginning of this dispute Unite made it clear that strike action could be avoided if First Manchester was prepared to table an offer that met our members’ aspirations. Once the company understood this, a deal was agreed and the dispute ended.

“It is hoped that following this pay deal, relations with First Manchester can be strengthened and further disputes can be avoided in the future.”

Further strikes had been scheduled for 15, 17, 18, 21 and 25 February, but all First Manchester bus services will now operate as normal.

First Manchester are yet to comment on the matter.