BUS drivers and garage staff at a North-East depot will strike tomorrow as planned.

Staff at the Go-Northern depot, in Bishop Auckland, voted to strike after pay negotiations with the company broke down.

The move could see passengers in rural areas surrounding the market town suffer major difficulties.

Transport union representative Brian Anderson said the workers voted by post to strike every Friday until further notice.

The company's other depots at Chester-le-Street and Stanley would not be affected.

Mr Anderson said: "We apologise to all the travelling public for the inconvenience of these strikes, but the situation is that the offer for the 2000 pay claim is insufficient in the eyes of our members."

He said the depot felt let down by Go-Northern since it took over five years ago. "We have tried to negotiate with the company and we met with them last Friday, but talks broke down."

Yvonne Dixon, marketing manager at Go-Northern, said: "We would like to apologise to customers who are inconvenienced on Friday and assure them we are doing our best to come to an amicable solution as quickly as we can.''

She said people with Go and Save business cards for that day would be re-embursed if they call at the Bishop Auckland travel centre.

Alternatively, they can send the card to Go-Northern, Freepost NT2674, Gateshead, NE8 1BR.

There is also a travel line to assist people with their journey - the number is (0870) 6082608.