Unite union joint leader Tony Woodley has asked British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh to reinstate travel perks for cabin crew and the union will call off strikes which are set to begin at midnight.

However, BA has released a statement declaring its dismay at Mr Woodley "using the media" to negotiate.

Earlier Mr Woodley said that the planned five day strike by BA staff would go ahead.

The union boss said there had been a "catastrophic" breakdown of talks between them and BA boss Willie Walsh on Sunday.

The industrial action, which is set to be extended to two further five day strikes is the result of an ongoing dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions for cabin crew.

The declaration by Mr Woodley comes just a day after talks were brought to a halt by protesters from the Socialist Workers Party, who stormed the Acas building to confront Mr Walsh.

BA announced on Friday record losses of £531 million, and expects the strikes to cost the airline around £1 million.