A bus operator is recruiting 200 new drivers as part of Britain’s biggest-ever recruitment campaign for bus drivers.

The Go North East campaign, named 'Be an Elite Driver', will hire staff to work in Gateshead, Durham and Tyne and Wear with a salary of more than £30,000.

The campaign is putting existing drivers centre-stage with their images displayed on a fleet of buses.

The recruitment drive is closely linked to plans for improving buses in the region, in collaboration with Nexus, Transport North East, Durham County Council, and Northumberland County Council.

These plans are part of the Government's Bus Service Improvement Plan, which is investing millions into upgrading the bus service.

Managing director at Go North East, Nigel Featham, said: "This is a ground-breaking recruitment campaign to match the huge scale of change that we’ll be helping to deliver in the North East’s public transport.

"We’ve already had lots of interest in joining our Elite driver academy and we’re expecting thousands of applications."

Drivers will be subjected to a six-week training programme.

The roles offer many perks including 25 days' annual leave, generous pensions and opportunity for a fast salary increase based on experience.

Huw Lewis, customer services director at Nexus, said: "Bus drivers play a vital role in helping people all over North East get to where they need to go.

"Nexus and its partners have ambitious plans for public transport and it's great to see this huge recruitment drive taking place, and the creation of hundreds of jobs for local people."

Applications can be made via the Elite Bus Driver website.