Hopes of a breakthrough in the British Airways pay dispute rose yesterday following a fresh round of talks aimed at averting a crippling strike over the August bank holiday weekend.

Union leaders were involved in detailed negotiations with airline managers which continued into the evening.

Ed Blisset, chief negotiator for the GMB union, said he was "more hopeful" of reaching a deal.

He hinted that there could be changes to a pay offer already tabled by the company.

Friday August 20, 2004