National Union of Journalists members at the Southern Daily Echo were today returning to work following two days of strike action over pay.

Forty-one journalists stayed away from work on Wednesday and Thursday in protest at Newsquest Hampshire's 2.5 per cent pay offer, with many picketing the paper's Redbridge headquarters and handing out leaflets in Southampton city centre.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear and president Chris Morley also showed their support by visiting the picket line.

Sally Churchward, spokesperson for the Southampton chapel, said: "We have had lots of support as well as offers of financial assistance from other chapels around the country.

"We have been really pleased with how it has gone and everyone is in good spirits."

She added: "It was never our intention to damage the paper. We are all very proud of the Echo and that was the reason we were so slow to strike.

"We wanted to make a stand over the offensively low pay offer and we have already won by showing the strength of feeling.

"The strike has been a very bonding experience for the 41 journalists taking part.

"We have received a huge number of messages of support and offers of contributions to our hardship fund from branches, chapels and individuals across the country. We know what we are doing is important and are very grateful for the support we have received."

NUJ assistant organiser Don Mackglew said the ball was now in the newspaper management's court, and that Jeremy Dear was planning to write to managing director Stewart Dunn in an effort to resume talks.

The chapel will hold a meeting next week to decide whether or not to take further action.

Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray declined to comment further.