Members of the Fire Brigades Union have decided to end the long running dispute over pay and conditions.

A special recall conference of the FBU backed a decision of the union's executive council to accept the latest pay offer from employers.

The meeting followed consultations with party members across the country.

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

In a speech to the delegates assembled in Glasgow, FBU leader Andy Gilchrist said that the settlement was one of the best on offer to any group of public sector workers.

"We have made real progress towards our objective of £30,000," he said.

"It is a pay rise three times the inflation rate over the period of the claim, with pay parity for retained fire fighters which is a historic achievement."

The FBU leader also said it was time to bring to an end the series of strikes that have left the army to cover they key emergency service.

"If anyone thinks we can overcome the state with a few periodic strikes then they are living on a different planet," he warned.

"If anyone thinks we can launch indefinite strike action and keep the members together they are coming from a different universe."

The fire service employers welcomed the news that the deal had been accepted.

But employers' spokesman Jeremy Beecham cautioned that "there is a great deal of urgent work in the coming months".

"This agreement will allow the employers and the FBU to work cooperatively in a real partnership in order to deliver improvements as quickly as possible," he said.

"Change can be a frightening process, but the employers have always asserted the importance they place on ensuring that change is in no way detrimental to either the general public or the workforce personnel.

"This agreement will deliver an even better service with a generous reward package that recognises the professional skills of our fire fighters."