It is Valentine's Day morning, and I am wondering if I am going to live to see tomorrow's discounted chocolate. Not because I'm heartbroken, or planning a spectacular but risky romantic move, but because today I am learning to drive a bus. I am terrified.
Greater Manchester has a bus driver shortage, which will not surprise anyone who is a frequent passenger. As a result, Go North West are on a huge recruitment drive and are particularly interested in encouraging women to get behind the wheel - all of which has led to me being here today, sat in the driver's seat of a bus, ready to lurch my way into a brand new career for the morning.
Fewer than one in ten of Go North West's drivers are currently women - something managing director Nigel Featham tells me they are keen to change. He says shift work and perceptions around manoeuvring such a large vehicle are common barriers for women, but that bus driving is a career for 'anyone'.
