The drivers have held nine days of industrial action

The drivers agreed to call off their latest set of strikes, following a new pay offer from bosses.

They had planned a further four days of action starting from Thursday.

The 700 bus drivers have agreed to hold a vote next week on the latest offer, which is a one-year deal taking pay to �6.40 an hour - an increase of 47p on their current rate - and introducing changes to productivity and working conditions.

The drivers have already held nine days of industrial action in south and east Devon, crippling services in Exeter and popular resorts like Torbay.

Their determination has won massive support among the travelling public in Exeter and Torbay RMT general secretary Bob Crowe

There are hopes that this time, a final deal will be reached between bosses and drivers.

RMT general secretary Bob Crowe said: "Our members' stand against low pay in the company has been nothing short of magnificent.

"Their determination has won massive support among the travelling public in Exeter and Torbay."

'Substantial increase'

He added that the union would "strongly recommend" that they accept the improvement.

Stagecoach spokesman Steve Stewart said: "We are very pleased the strikes have been called off because we said all along that this dispute would not be resolved by strike action.

"We believe we have produced an excellent offer which will go towards a substantial pay increase, linked to important productivity improvements.