TRAM drivers have accepted the latest pay and conditions offer presented to them, their union ASLEF announced this week.

The 100 drivers voted 60 to 40 in favour of the three-year deal which will see them receive a two per cent pay rise this year.

They had been threatening to strike unless an acceptable deal was reached.

The offer also includes three extra days' holiday and a gradual reduction of one hour in the working week.

Drivers will also receive a one-off £350 payment to compensate for the fact a deal should have been reached by last November.

Terry Wilkinson, from ASLEF, said: "The drivers accepted the offer on Monday but the vote was closer than we had been expecting."

A spokesman for First Tram Operations said: "We are pleased that following our positive discussions with the trade union our employees have accepted the wage offer."