Bus drivers in parts of the county were due to walk out on Monday, but the strike has now been called off following crisis talks this evening.

The planned industrial action by Arriva staff, announced earlier today, was over the alleged introduction of mystery shoppers, and a 'culture of bullying and harassment.'

It's a small ray of light in what looks to be week of misery for Kent commuters who face strikes by Southern train staff as Aslef and RMT members walk out.

The 24-hour bus strike would have affected depots in Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Gillingham, Sheerness and Northfleet, forcing Arriva to run limited services in these areas.

But the strike was called off just before 7pm after talks between the union and Arriva bosses.

Simon Loh, regional managing director for Arriva Southern Counties, said: “We have been in talks with the Union at Acas today and now have a resolution.”

Arriva has denied it is implementing a mystery shopper scheme, and said bullying and harassment "has no place" in Arriva Southern Counties.