ONCE he was the king of the road, inspiring defiant songs about citizens' band radios and making chocolate bars seem macho.

But while the profile of the heavy goods driver may not be as high as it once was, he is more in demand than ever.

Bill Taylor, transport consultant with recruitment agency NorthEast Workforce, said he has four vacancies for every three drivers on his books.

"The shortage of HGV drivers is nationwide," said Mr Taylor. "The consensus is that around a quarter of a million more of them are needed."

In his 25 years in the driving business, as RAF firefighter, transport manager and employment consultant, Mr Taylor said he could not recall a time when drivers were so sought after.

"Agencies like ours cannot usually guarantee regular work for any employee, but at the moment I can safely say that all my regular drivers are working for clients six days a week.