IT was a pay deal meant to create equality, but instead it created controversy.

Now a "battle of the sexes" over salary levels at Hampshire County Council could be about to end following fresh negotiations between authority bosses and union leaders.

Although close to 2,000 workers, mostly men, will still see their salaries slashed, nearly 6,500 staff, mainly women, will see their salaries increase.

The number of people that will lose out is far lower than was originally proposed by the council.

Union members will still be balloted on whether to accept the new pay offer, but with union leaders recommending approval, it could mean a dispute that has rumbled on for more than a year will finally end.

For the full story see today's Daily Echo