Bus crews across the district have voted overwhelmingly to strike in an official postal ballot.

Approval for a stoppage has now been given by Transport and General Workers' Union general secretary Bill Morris.

Yesterday he gave seven days' official notice to First Bradford of the decision, taken by about 90 per cent of the voters.

First Bradford managing director Andy Campbell said today he would be negotiating with the workers in a last-ditch bid to settle the dispute. Shop stewards were also meeting today to decide on the form of any stoppage.

The Telegraph & Argus understands the workers are leaning towards one-day strikes and would probably give 24 hours' notice rather than lightning stoppages that would create chaos for schools, workers and shoppers.

But it is believed some union members want action to escalate if initial strikes failed.

First Bradford crews decided on an official ballot organised by the Electoral Reform Society after rejecting an offer by the company for the fourth time.

They have been in talks with Bradford's biggest bus company since March on their annual pay and conditions award. Any agreed increase would have gone into their pay packets in May.

The company has offered a three per cent pay rise but the crews say the main disagreement is about pay disparities which date back to the 1980s when services were privatised. They claim pay rates vary from about £5 an hour for new employees to about £7.19 for people with long service.

The strike decision comes only weeks after the company introduced controversial new overground bus services, based on the London Underground. Passengers are delighted with increased services in some areas but thousands of people have signed petitions in other areas, claiming they are worse. New school bus routes have also started as pupils move to different schools as the district switches from three to two-tier education. Regional TGWU secretary Ronnie Morrison said: "The percentage in favour is an indication of the strength of feeling. People are very uptight at Bradford."

Mr Campbell said the claims by the union were not absolutely correct and there were 56 people moving up to a higher pay rate. First Bradford employs about 430 drivers -- and the union claims 100 per cent membership.