The executive of the Fire Brigades Union has said it will accept the latest pay offer from fire service employers.

Hopes had risen ahead of Tuesday evening's announcement amid speculation that local authorities had offered sufficient concessions to win over the union.

"A potential breakthrough has emerged in this long running dispute," FBU leader Andy Gilchrist confirmed.

"We have got before us a proposed agreement that differs significantly from previous offers made to fire fighters and control staff."

Gilchrist said that for this reason the union executive would recommend acceptance of the latest offer at a special conference that will take place next month.

The breakthrough followed two days of talks between employer representatives and the FBU.

After talks on Monday Sir Jeremy Beecham of the Local Government Association had expressed hope that an end to industrial action was in sight.

He said both sides understood what needed to be done to resolve the dispute.

The final offer is expected to offer a 16 per cent rise over two-and-a-half years, linked to an overhaul of working practices.

While it is not certain that the union rank and file will back the new offer, there will be hope on all sides that it proves acceptable.