The chief executives of Scotland's 32 councils have agreed not to take a pay rise this year.

Local government umbrella organisation Cosla said the move was a response to the "colossal financial pressures" facing councils.

The chief executives had been due to receive a 2.5% rise next month under the terms of a deal agreed in 2008.

Local authority leaders had already said they would not accept a pay rise for the coming financial year.

A statement released by Cosla said the announcement over chief executive pay reflected "a growing consensus across local government that the financial challenges ahead will call for tough measures to minimise the threat to jobs and services."

Cosla's human resources management spokesman, Councillor Michael Cook, said: "The testing times both now and which lie ahead are such that leadership counts and chief executives have shown genuine leadership which we trust will set an example to others.

"It mirrors the decision of council leaders to agree to their pay being frozen in the coming year. It is significant that the political and executive leadership of councils have recognised the unprecedented challenges which lie ahead."