A THREATENED bus strike has been averted at the 11th hour.

First York drivers voted to accept a pay deal and avoid industrial action in the city. The deal followed a strike vote in protest at an earlier offer.

The company's managing director, Brian Asquith, said yesterday: "It has eventually been resolved. A vote took place yesterday afternoon and the majority of drivers voted in favour of the new offer.

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

The company is due to introduce 100 new buses on September 16, providing a faster shuttle service.