PARENTS could soon be seen behind the wheels of school buses as part of a new driver recruitment scheme.

Dorset firm Damory Coaches has launched an initiative to encourage mums and dads to get the qualifications they need to take charge of school buses in a bid to beat a shortage in skilled drivers.

The move by coach firm bosses to invite parents and other people interested in a part-time job to join up with them comes due to a lack of coach drivers.

And with the backing of Dorset County Council, they are hoping the recruitment drive will encourage people to come forward.

The move will see people with a full driver's licence undertake a training course, which can be intensive or taken over a number of weeks and includes a written test and driving test, to gain the necessary skills.

Bosses at Blandford-based Damory Coaches believe it is the ideal opportunity for parents to build better relationships with their children's school and benefit the community.

Manager Ian Gray said the job would suit people looking for part-time work, for example, those who are either semi-retired or a mother whose children attend the school.

He said: "This could lead to job sharing schemes or other flexible working arrangements."

Margaret Morrissey, spokesperson for the National Confederation of Parent-Teachers Association and chairman of the Dorset branch, is supporting the initiative.

She said: "I am backing this scheme all the way. It is a brilliant idea."

Dorset County Council's passenger transport manager Eric Horniblow has welcomed the new initiative. He added all school bus drivers must reach the standard required to obtain a PCV driver's licence.

Anyone interested in the scheme should phone Damory Coaches on (01258) 452545. If anyone would like to get details of coach firms in their area looking for recruits they can call the county council on (01305) 224332.