Thousands of workers at Peugeot in Coventry are walking out in a pay battle with the French car giant.

The 24-hour walkout, which starts later on Thursday, will hit three plants - the main factory in Ryton, near Coventry - and two smaller ones nearby.

Striking car workers have been warned that their actions would be "seriously detrimental" to their employment prospects.

The strike will cost the company millions of pounds in lost production.

The walkout, mainly by members of the Transport and General Workers Union, will halt production of 1,200 Peugeot 206 models.

The unions are ready to talk at any time TGWU official Dave Osborne

The company said it would not be reopening negotiations on its offer of a 7.3% pay rise over two years, despite the strike.

"It is important that people realise the seriousness of the action," said a spokesman.

About 3,500 workers are involved in the dispute, while employees not affected will be laid off during the stoppage.

Pay offer

Peugeot said the offer was "fair, reasonable, competitive and sustainable".

Members of the TGWU voted last month by 54% in favour of strike action after earlier rejecting the pay offer.

National officer Dave Osborne said: "The unions are ready to talk at any time and we urge Peugeot to return to the negotiating table to reach a settlement and avert what could be a damaging dispute."