More than 1,000 workers at the Royal Mail's Aston depot had intended to walk out on Friday in support of a colleague they believe was sacked unfairly.

The industrial action was averted after several hours of negotiations between Royal Mail and the Communications Workers' Union (CWU).

Paul Whitehouse, the mail centre manager at Aston, said the change of heart was great news for customers.

Drinking claim

"We are delighted that the planned action that would have disrupted the service to our customers has been called off.

"The agreement that we reached allows us to build on the good industrial relations we have at the mail centre and provides a platform to improve our working relationship with the CWU further."

Staff at the St Stephens Street depot took unofficial action after a postman was dismissed for gross misconduct last month.

An appeal is taking place against the decision to sack him for allegedly drinking before his shift.