MEMBERS of the public got the chance to test-drive buses at an open day yesterday.

Go North-East ran the event at the MetroCentre coach park, Gateshead.

Car drivers got behind the wheel of an Easy Access bus and were guided around the park by a driving instructor.

The event was organised to provide an insight into bus driving and tempt people to take it up as a career.

Yvonne Dixon, of Go North-East, said: "It requires a number of qualities to be a successful bus driver.

"However, there are many people who possess these qualities who have never had the opportunity to test drive such a large vehicle."

She added: "This event was designed to give members of the public a chance to find out if they had what it took to be a bus driver."