HOPES are rising that a potentially crippling bus strike can be avoided when talks take place today.

Discussions at the end of last week between union bosses and the management of First buses, in York, were described as productive.

The sides are due to resume negotiations today and both are hopeful that an agreement can be reached over a suitable pay deal.

TGWU negotiator Steve Clark said a lengthy meeting had concluded with First "looking at a number of possibilities regarding making a new offer".

The commercial manager of First, Peter Edwards, said the firm was hopeful it could come up with a new proposal that would be recommended to the union's members.

In a secret ballot, drivers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in pursuit of an £8-an-hour basic wage claim.

Their first walk-out is planned for Thursday.