A COLCHESTER charity is appealing for new community bus drivers to keep the service running.

Open Road runs SOS community buses which run throughout Essex during weekdays to give out advice, support, and information about drug and alcohol treatment.

On weekend evenings, the community buses support the night-time economy with a trained healthcare professional on board to look after the injured or vulnerable.

The buses relieve pressure on emergency services and save thousands of pounds in A&E admissions and 999 callouts, but Open Road has said their pool of drivers is running low.

Applications are now open for anyone who can work weekends and has a C1 driving licence.

Drivers are required to drive the buses during the daytime across Essex, and will be expected to be available on weekend evenings when the community bus supports the night-time economy.

Drivers would not need to stay on the bus for the entire night, but they will be required to drive the bus to the location needed for the night-time support before returning to the vehicle between 4am and 5am the following morning.

Successful applicants will earn £12 per hour during the daytime and £16 per hour overnight.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a driver should email stacey.banner@openroad.org.uk before Thursday, May 23.