The ballot followed a breakdown in talks between bus company Stagecoach and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU).

One-day strikes will take place on 10 and 17 September.

TGWU spokesman Brian Anderson said Stagecoach had now asked for a fresh meeting with the union. No-one from the bus company was available for comment.

More than 900 drivers at four depots in the region - Slatyford and Walkergate in Newcastle, Sunderland and South Shields were asked to vote.

Mr Anderson told BBC News Online on Wednesday: "We have been in discussion with Stagecoach regarding the annual pay offer, which we don't accept.

"We've got a yes vote from members and selected a couple of strike dates.

""We informed Stagecoach, who have immediately asked us to come to a meeting on 3 September to talk about the situation, which is good news."