The Transport and General Workers' Union said members supported taking action short of strike action.

But the union said a "significant number" of members balloted were prepared to strike.

The union, which represents workers in all sections of the Scottish Ambulance Service including paramedics and control staff, called for urgent talks with management.

About 1,200 staff are members of the union

T&G Scotland senior regional organiser Jimmy Farrelly said: "Over 78% of our members have voted for action short of a strike action and almost 45% were prepared to go as far as strike action."

He said the result "demonstrates the strength of feeling among the workforce" and that the union would now be calling for urgent pay talks.

He added: "A settlement must recognise the skills and professionalism of our members working within the service."

The union said it had previously raised concerns over the progress of pay talks over the claim for 2002-2003.

Ambulance staff are seeking a 5% rise in pay this year.

They have so far rejected an offer of 3.6% put forward by all UK ambulance trusts.

Mr Farrelly said no decision had been taken on what form industrial action would take - a ban on overtime would be one option.

He said he hoped talks would resume "very soon" in a bid to solve the dispute.

The T&G union represents about 1,200 ambulance staff.

Unison is expected to hold a similar ballot of its 900 members.