A ONE-day strike over pay and conditions at a Clitheroe engineering factory has been called off after managers made an improved offer.

Workers at Johnson Matthey Catalysts, on the Pimlico Road Industrial Estate, had voted overwhelmingly to walk out today.

They had been offered a three per cent pay increase and associated package.

But the action was suspended yesterday after management made an increased offer.

Tony Flannigan, site manager, said: "After extensive talks I am relieved to say that we have reached some agreement on a different package we are now offering.

"We will continue the dialogue into next week."

The strike would have been the first industrial action at the former ICI plant since it was opened in 1939.