WOMEN have been invited to try driving a double-decker bus to prove it's "far easier than many might think".

Salisbury Reds is calling on local women to consider a new career as a bus driver.

The city's travel operator is hosting a bus driving event at the Britford Park and Ride site on Saturday, September 21, so anyone interested can experience what it’s like to drive a bus in the safety of an off-road environment. 

The push comes as women are still "vastly under-represented" in the bus driving industry and Reds wants to encourage more people to consider working in the field.

Read more: Amesbury robbery: Trio steal jewellery at knife-point

Head of communications Nikki Honer, at Salisbury Reds, said: "We often hear from women that they don’t feel they could drive a bus. We know this is not the case.

"If they can drive a car, we will teach them the rest. With the right training, it’s far easier than many might think. 

“Our friendly training instructors from the Salisbury Reds driving school will be on-hand all day during the event, introducing and familiarising participants with double decker buses - before giving them a spin around the expansive car park."

A specially-branded pink bus, which will be at the event, has been designed to help raise awareness and attract more women into the industry.

Anyone getting involved in the event will be driving this bus.Anyone getting involved in the event will be driving this bus. (Image: Salisbury Reds)

“The bus has the faces of many of our existing amazing female team who are already doing a great job," said Nikki.

"By showcasing the women who already work here, we feel this will help encourage more women to give a career in the bus industry a go."

The women’s event takes place between 10am and noon - with a noon to 2pm open session for anyone else wishing to see for themselves what a career within the bus industry can offer them. 

Female employees will be on hand to offer advice and insight into the reality of the job.

Salisbury Reds is particularly keen to hear from anyone with a customer service or retail background as it values this kind of experience as highly as driving skills.

See more: Old Sarum Airfield developer slams Wiltshire Council

Nikki said: "We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of potential Salisbury Reds team members on September21.

"Registering a place is easy through a link from our website.

"Anyone unable to register can just turn up on the day as we don’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity."

The Britford Park and Ride site in Salisbury can be found at SP5 4DS.