U.K. border guards call off pre-Olympics strike

British border guards havecalled off a planned 24-hour strike that could have caused havoc at London's Heathrow Airporton the eve of the Olympics, their union announced today.

A union official said progress had been made during talks toresolve a dispute over planned job cuts, so there was no need to walk out.

The planned work stoppage would have involved border guards, including immigration and passport workers.

With the Olympics opening ceremonies just two days away, a Thursday strike would have created huge bottlenecks at Heathrowjust as thousands of tourists descend on the British capital.

Heathrow officials say Thursday is expected to be the airport's busiest day ever.

Britain's Home Office said it welcomed the decision to cancel the job action.