Hundreds of journalists are set to strike at a regional publisher as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

National Union of Journalists members at National World have voted in favour of strike action after repeatedly rejecting a proposed 4.5pc pay increase at the group.

In all, 248 out of 327 eligible members took part in the ballot – with 193 voting in favour of strike, representing more than three-quarters who voted, and 54 against.

A total of 210, or 84.68pc, voted for industrial action short of strike, with 38 against. There was a single spoiled ballot in the vote on strike action.

The union is urging National World to offer an improved pay package, uplifts to minimum rates and efforts to improve pay disparities after talks between the two parties hosted by conciliation service ACAS collapsed earlier this summer.

The action comes after at least 45 journalists have left the publisher through either compulsory or voluntary redundancy, according to NUJ estimates.

HTFP has approached National World for a comment on the ballot results.