National Union of Journalists members at the Spalding Guardian have announced plans to strike over pay.

Members at the Lincolnshire paper are to hold two five-day strikes, the first from June 1 to June 5, and the second from June 8 to June 12.

According to NUJ figures, trainee journalists on the paper earn £9,500, while qualified seniors with at least two years' experience earn £12,000.

Management have offered to increase the graduate starting rate to £11,000 and the newly-qualified senior rate to £14,000. Other staff would receive a 2.5 per cent rise.

A further review next year would see the trainee threshold rise to £12,000 and the senior rate rise to £15,000.

But NUJ members at the Guardian - which constitute 13 of the paper's 18 editorial staff - are unhappy with this offer and voted 100 per cent for strike action in a ballot with an 85 per cent turnout.

Regional NUJ organiser Miles Barter said: "The chapel feel that the pay is so bad that it needs addressing now."

John Broom, managing director of Welland Valley Newspapers, owners of the Guardian, said: "I'm disappointed and surprised that they have balloted to take action in light of the discussions we have had.

"We are still in talks and have a meeting with NUJ representatives on Thursday. We're still approaching the discussions positively and I hope that we can find common ground."