More than 1,000 bus drivers across the North East have voted to strike over poor pay and working conditions.

Unite have said more than 1,300 Go North East bus workers are set to strike following a ballot - 98 per cent in favour of industrial action with nearly an 85 per cent turn out.

They added workers are undertaking the action after being offered a "derisory" and "below-inflation" pay offer, including cuts to terms and conditions.

The union also noted administrative and clerical staff have not received a pay offer.

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Depots set to be affected by the industrial action include Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main (North Shields), Sunderland and Washington.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Go North East should be ashamed of themselves.

"They’ve failed our members and are failing the public by not coming back to the table with an improved pay offer for workers performing a vital service.”

“Unite will be backing our members to the hilt during their industrial action and their campaign for better pay and conditions.”

Unite regional officer, Dave Telford, said: “Go Ahead can afford to pay their workers properly and fairly and are choosing not to.

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“They are now in the last chance saloon to come back to the table with an improved offer before our members head to the picket line.”

A Unite spokesperson added the Go-Ahead group had posted profits of £85 million, and said it could "easily afford" to increase pay offers.

The organisation has said strike dates will be announced in due course.

The Northern Echo has approached the company for a comment.