Three planned walk outs by staff at one of Preston’s most famous firms have been postponed.

Management at Baxi have said that the action - which workers were set to take in a row over a new pay deal - has been suspended, pending the outcome of a new ballot among Unite the Union members next week.

Chris Tyrer, Manufacturing Director Baxi Group, said: “Following discussions with the Unite Union representatives, we are pleased to announce that strike action at Baxi Group’s sites in the Preston area has been suspended, pending the outcome of a further ballot next week.

“We are hopeful that we can resolve the issues quickly and get back to what we do best – manufacture high quality boilers for the UK.

"In this uncertain economic climate it is important that we safeguard jobs and preserve Baxi Group’s long established heritage in the area.”

Staff at the firm, which has sites in Bamber Bridge, Preston and Leyland, are unhappy at the new deal, which includes staff being paid monthly instead of weekly.