A BUS company hunting for new drivers is offering people the chance to get behind the wheel of one of its vehicles.

Arriva North East is on the lookout for recruits for its services in north and east Durham.

It is holding a recruitment open day on Sunday where would-be bus drivers can test their skills.

It will be held at the firm's Doxford Park headquarters in Sunderland between 10am and 2pm.

In addition to a test drive, visitors can try out hazard awareness testing to see if they would be suitable for the job, and take an informal interview.

Arriva operations director Iain McInroy said: "The open day is primarily aimed at recruiting drivers to work from our Durham and Peterlee depots.

"We are always pleasantly surprised by how many people end up making applications after they've had a chance to talk to us about what is involved in bus driving and what career opportunities Arriva has to offer.

"Bus driving is a skilled and professional career.

"At Arriva we are always on the look-out for excellent candidates to increase our complement of qualified drivers."

Anyone who cannot attend the open day but would like more information about bus driving can call the firm's recruitment helpline on 0191-520 4124.