Buses in a part of Kent are experiencing long delays due to having "no drivers", it has been revealed.

Operator Stagecoach is warning Thanet residents that its vehicles are running massively behind schedule today due to the shortage.

A spokesman for the firm says anyone looking to travel by bus should allow plenty of time for their journeys.

He said: "Due to no drivers, we are experiencing severe delays to the majority of services across the board in Thanet.

"We are trying to do the best we can with what we have available at present time, and are very sorry for the delays.

"Please try to allow ample time for your journeys."

Stagecoach says the staffing issue stems from "the impact of a rebounding economy and a record number of unfilled job vacancies".

"We’re doing all we can to keep services running whilst we recruit more people," the spokesman added.

"We are continuing to run the majority of services in the area, but we're unable to operate some bus journeys on a day-to-day basis.

"We're sorry for the impact this wider issue in the economy is having on our customers."

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