Bus crews in Bradford are set to strike four more times in their ongoing row over pay and conditions.

The First Bradford drivers are planning to abandon their vehicles for 24 hours on September 25, October 6, 13 and 20.

The drivers will be balloted on a new offer put to them by First Bradford's management - but unions say it is almost certain to be refused.

Thousands of people were stranded yesterday when the crews launched their first strike over their pay claim. The stoppage came as people tried to get back to normal following the petrol crisis and many were relying on public transport.

First Bradford managing director Andy Campbell said after urgent talks with the Transport and General Workers Union that he had made an offer which he believed would be acceptable to crews.

The drivers voted by 329 to 30 to strike against the difference in pay rights between long-term employees and newcomers.

Mr Campbell said his new offer lessened the timescale where drivers were able to work up to the higher rates.

But regional TGWU secretary Ronnie Morrison said: "I do not believe it will be accepted. There are some slight changes, but not sufficient to change the views of the members. We have an obligation to put this to the ballot but strikes are planned from the following Monday."

He said the crews were sorry about the inconvenience to the public but the action had been a last resort.