The threat of further disruption to council services as part of a national pay dispute has been averted.

Services across Sussex, including schools, colleges and leisure centres, were hit by a one-day walkout in July.

But the three main unions - Unison, GMB and the TGWU - yesterday announced a 7.7 per cent rise over two years had been accepted.

Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Ken Bodfish said: "We're delighted agreement has been reached.

"It is in everybody's interests to avoid disputes. I recognise there is a strong case for looking at the situation of low-paid workers and there needs to be greater account taken of the high cost of living in our city."

The agreement means there is a new minimum wage of £5 for the lowest paid, up from £4.80, and this will rise to £5.33 from April 1 next year.

The deal involves setting up a Local Government Pay Commission which will look at long-term pay and conditions for local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The deal was negotiated by representatives of councils across England and Wales and the three main local government unions.