THE strike that has brought Arriva bus services to a halt in St Helens and across the North West has been suspended after the company put forward an 11.1% pay offer.

Around 1,800 workers, who had been on strike since July 20, will return to work from tomorrow and be balloted on the offer.

The ballot will be conducted over the next two days with the result declared on Friday afternoon.

The one year 11.1 per cent offer, which will be backdated to April, applies to more than 2,000 Unite members.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: "Following our members’ very strong rejection of the company's offer yesterday evening, Arriva have seen sense and met the demands of our members by tabling an 11.1 per cent pay deal.

"Unite's negotiating team is recommending the offer be accepted and it is being put to members in a vote.

"The strike is suspended pending the outcome of the ballot and drivers are to return to work tomorrow to serve the needs of the community and public.

"The determination and resolve of our members has been solid throughout the industrial action and we thank those who have provided support and assistance to secure the offer from the company."

An Arriva statement read: "Arriva North West is today able to confirm that following ongoing discussions in recent weeks, all parties have come to an agreement on an unprecedented pay deal for Arriva North West drivers.

"Following a meeting today, in which the agreement was reached, Unions will now take this recommended offer to our colleagues.

"Furthermore, it has also been agreed that industrial action across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside will be suspended from 3am on Thursday, August 18 and all parties will now work together to progress the pay offer.

"Arriva would like to thank our customers across the North West region, for your continued patience in recent weeks, during the extremely challenging Strike period.

"Timetable and Journey information, for Arriva North West services returning on Thursday, August 18 can be found online at www.arrivabus.co.uk and via the Arriva journey planning."