Postal Strikes Called Off - Sources

The fresh wave of postal strikes has been called off, say sources.

A deal was reached just hours before the latest 24-hour national stoppage was due to begin on Friday.

Members of the Communication Workers' Union have held a series of strikes in a long-running row over jobs, pay and pensions.

They have caused huge delays to mail deliveries.

An agreement was reached following several days of talks between the union leaders and the Royal Mail.

The union's postal executive is believed to have sanctioned the agreement at a meeting in London today.

The union made no official comment but a statement is expected later.

More to follow...