The move followed a new offer from the trust that moves the drivers up a grade and will see them receive back pay from July 2024 after workers launched strike action on Tuesday.

Unison North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said: ‘This is a great result, but the drivers should never have needed to take strike action.

‘They were simply asking to be paid properly for the work they do. It's good the trust saw sense and came back with an offer ensuring staff will be paid fairly and receive back pay from July 2024.'

The drivers were back at work yesterday (Wednesday) and have now formally accepted the improved package.