Talks are continuing to resolve the dispute at the port of Dover.

Meetings have taken place between union representatives and Dover Harbour Board officials during the past two weeks.

Brendan Gold, Unite's Transport Sector National Organiser, and the port's chief executive Bob Goldfield, jointly described the talks as useful, and Mr Goldfield said the atmosphere was "constructive".

Following these meetings, the industrial action planned for this week has been postponed by the union.

Strikes had been due to take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.

A number of issues relating to the transfer of some port operational staff early in 2009 are being discussed.

The talks are expected to continue for some weeks.

Mr Goldfield stressed that the harbour board's basic position on the transfers remained unchanged.

Mooring, security and trailer-handling workers are due to be transferred to private operators in the New Year.