EMBATTLED bus firm First Midland Red has revealed it considered recruiting drivers from South Africa to shore up its staff numbers.

The Worcester firm has made inquiries about shipping over people to train, because it is around 15 drivers short at its city depot, and suffering shortages at Kidderminster and Redditch.

But the plans have foundered over issues like work permits and accommodation.

Now, the company intends to focus on recruiting school-leavers and putting them through an intensive training course.

First Midland Red spokesman Austin Birks confirmed that the company had made inquiries in South Africa.

"We found out that the practicalities in terms of accommodation and work permits created significant barriers," he said.

Although the idea has been ditched for the time being, Mr Birks did not rule out looking overseas for drivers in the future.

"Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures. If you do not have drivers, you do not have a business," he added.

Meanwhile, he said First Midland Red had received around 40 applications for a project launched last August.

Teenagers fresh out of school will take their car licence tests before undergoing a five-week training course, including NVQs in customer care and disability awareness.

New drivers would be restricted to smaller buses and a 31-mile radius from their depot until they were 21.

"There are people out there who do not wish to go to university and we are persuading them that a career in bus driving is worth considering," said Mr Birks.