NORTH East Ambulance Service has confirmed that the industrial strike action set to be taken by some of its staff has been paused.

The service will pause the strikes until union representatives have spoken to their members.

A spokesman for the service said: "Industrial action at North East Ambulance Service is paused.

"Those unions with mandates for industrial action, RCN, Unison, GMB, CSP, Unite and BDA will now consult their members in consultations that will be held over the coming weeks.

"Strike action will continue to be paused while these ballots are ongoing.

"As a result of the action being stood down, we are standing down arrangements made to respond to industrial action next week.

"We will continue to work with trade union colleagues closely to keep patients safe and will update you as necessary.

"Once again, we thank you for your continued support."