A NORTH EAST bus company has been forced to cancel a number of services across the region due to "driver shortages."

Due to a national driver shortage, and an increase in sickness absence, Go North East announce cancellations for journeys on their network.

Details of affected routes have not yet been announced but the network says they will be shared daily on their website and social media platforms.

Paper copies of the cancellations will also be shared with colleagues at bus depots each morning so they can assist customers.

Go North East said: "This is a short-term problem affecting just over 2% of Go North East journeys. We are making all reasonable efforts to cover the journeys, even as the day progresses.

"We are actively recruiting more colleagues through our training school and are also now working on some more stable emergency timetables which will come into operation on the worst affected routes over the coming weeks. Further details will be published when finalised.

"Efforts are being made to avoid the cancellation of any consecutive journeys, or the first or last buses of the day, and the majority of buses are still operating without any issues."

They are also pleading with customers to not take their frustration out on colleagues who are working.