5 July 2012 Last updated at 14:07 ET

Tyne and Wear Metro workers accept new pay deal

Tyne and Wear Metro workers have accepted an improved pay deal, removing the threat of further strikes.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the deal included a 2.1% rise, with a guaranteed £520 for the lowest paid workers, plus a £300 bonus.

The workers, employed by operators DB Regio Tyne and Wear Ltd, staged a 24-hour strike on 7 June over the dispute.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said members had "voted overwhelmingly" to accept the new offer.

Workers will receive an additional one-off payment of £200 for consolidation of the "red book" bonus in future years.

The deal also gives permanent employees and their families additional travel benefits.

A separate dispute involving Metro cleaners employed by Churchill continues.