After more than four weeks of strikes involving around 1,800 employees, management at Arriva North West have reached agreement with the unions representing the company's bus drivers.

They will return to work beginning in the early hours of tomorrow, and then be balloted on the offer made by Arriva, said by the Unite union to amount to an 11.1 percent pay rise backdated to April.

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

A statement from the company said: "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 18th August and all parties will now work together to progress the pay offer."

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."