There are jobs for around 200 bus drivers and if we find them, people will enjoy better services. That's the message from First boss Doug Clarinbold and Metro Mayor Dan Norris as they meet to get to grips with the bus driver shortage next week.

The duo will speak to current drivers about what they like about their roles including the flexibility, variety, and of course, meeting passengers. Some say that being a bus driver means a job in the most thanked profession in the world.

The Mayor will also find out about the new bus driver recruitment team funded by the West of England Combined Authority helping bus companies target new would-be drivers.

The recruitment drive is being backed by tailored careers support and training from the West of England Combined Authority with a single access point for people interested in becoming a bus driver.

A region-wide campaign featuring current drivers that highlights the rewards of driving a bus will kick off shortly as well as targeted work to encourage more women and people from ethnic minorities who are currently underrepresented in the industry to consider driving a bus.

Dan Norris said: "Sorting the driver shortage is a vital step to fix the bus network. Do you or someone you know fancy a career change? Then why not become a bus driver? Your community needs your skills to get vital buses moving. Under my leadership I'm determined the West of England trains more bus drivers".