Strikes which would have seen the region's ambulances only respond to the most life-threatening calls have been put on ice after government officials agreed to open talks over pay.

This week, ambulance workers in the region were preparing to stage walk-outs for the first time since industrial action began earlier this year.

It would have meant fewer ambulances on the roads and union members only leaving picket lines to attend category 1 calls - the most severe emergencies.

These are the types of calls that are considered immediately life-threatening - including but not limited to cardiac and respiratory arrest.

The strikes were due to be held on two separate days this week - Monday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 8.

Monday's strikes were due to be held by members of the GMB Union, while Wednesday's were by Unison members.

However, both unions have confirmed the industrial action has been placed on hold, after government ministers agreed to open up talks over a new pay offer.

Posting on Twitter, health secretary Steve Barclay wrote: "I'm pleased unions representing the majority of ambulance workers, nurses and physios have agreed to pause strikes and begin formal talks.

"I want to start these talks as soon as possible to find a fair deal."

Ambulance workers across the country have been holding strikes periodically since the start of the year.

However, none of these have affected the East of the England Ambulance Service Trust, which provides emergency services for the region.

But this was due to change this week, with union members of the trust poised to join in the walk-outs.

Ahead of the strikes, bosses at the trust had urged people only to call 999 if they are in a "life or limb-threatening emergency" warning there would be fewer ambulances on the road and staff in control rooms.