Defence workers, including those affected at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster, have accepted a new offer to end a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Unite at the Defence Support Group (DSG) voted by 9-1 in favour of a one per cent rise plus a bonus of £1,250.

The workers, who maintain and repair military equipment for the Ministry of Defence, have taken 16 days of strike action since the row flared last year.

Unite national officer Mike McCartney said: "This significantly improved pay deal would not have been possible without the resolve of members who were determined to get a just and fair deal.

"It represents a significant increase on what was originally on offer and shows what can be achieved when workers stand shoulder to shoulder.

"We trust that Babcock, who take over the running of the DSG, will continue to recognise the vital role our members play in supporting our armed forces by working positively with Unite."

The workers are based at Bovington (Dorset), Catterick (North Yorkshire), Colchester, Donnington (Shropshire), Stirling and Warminster.

 A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are pleased that DSG was able to settle this pay dispute without any further industrial action.

"There is no impact on the Armed Forces, and we understand that DSG will be making every effort to regain any output lost during December in the coming weeks."