Bus company Stagecoach is hailing its driver recruitment campaign a success.

A total of 75 new drivers have been taken on, primarily to solve the shortage problem in Oxford, and the company continues to attract about 15 applicants a week.

Stagecoach Oxford manager, George Fair, said: "We now have the ability to run services much more reliably than when we were struggling to find drivers only a few months ago.

"Passengers on our Oxford services are now seeing a definite improvement in the quality and level of journeys."

The recruitment drive followed a shortage of drivers for local bus companies who claimed they were losing out with the creation of jobs for the new Mini production at Cowley.

A substantial rise in wages was made last autumn, followed by a further three per cent rise in March, to attract new drivers.

However, the award forced Stagecoach to cut costs and services on some rural routes.

Mr Fair added: "We have seen a complete turnaround in driver numbers in less than a year. The company has 75 new drivers, 50 of whom were trained from scratch."