The nurses' strike which was due to affect hospitals in Somerset has been paused for talks with the government.

The Royal College of Nursing announced on Tuesday night in a joint statement with the government that it was pausing its planned 48-hour walkout from Wednesday to Friday next week.

The strike would have hit services including at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and community hospitals.

It was planned to include nurses from intensive care units and cancer care for the first time, in an escalation of the dispute.

The statement said the two sides would begin "intensive talks" on "pay, terms and conditions" and "reforms to enhance productivity".

RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said: "We will put our plans on the table, they can put their plans on the table - but I'm confident that we will come out with a fair pay settlement for our nursing staff."

The union had originally asked for a pay rise 5 per cent above inflation, but has since offered to meet the government half-way.

The joint statement said: "The government and RCN have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks.

"Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the NHS and the wider economic pressures facing the UK and the prime minister's priority to halve inflation.

"The health secretary will meet with the RCN on Wednesday to begin talks. The RCN will pause strike action during these talks."

Meanwhile ambulance workers have more strikes planned in March and junior doctors have voted to strike over pay.