A fast-track recruitment programme has helped LORNA HARVEY, 40, secure her dream job.

Ms Harvey decided on a career change following five years as an HGV driver and then as a radio controller at a taxi firm.

She attended a Go North East driver open day and enjoyed test-driving a bus so much she arranged an interview for the following day.

The mother-of-two was successful and following a week's intensive training, became a bus driver in North Tyneside.

She said: "Many people think bus driving is a man's job, but I have had nothing but support from Go North East staff at all levels and have found that there is an increasing number of women, like me, looking for a career change and finding the solution with Go North East."

Since January, Go North East has held 13 open days throughout the region, from which over 90 drivers have successfully gained employment.