Arriva said its retention rate for Polish drivers elsewhere is 100%

Arriva even took a bus over to Krakow so the drivers could get experience handling a right hand drive vehicle.

Regional managing director Bob Hind said: "We operate in some areas where there are buoyant labour markets and sometimes it can prove difficult to recruit drivers locally."

Drivers will also receive internet access to keep in touch with families.

The drivers, all trained and experienced, started work at the Bangor depot last week.

Mr Hind said: "We are keen to employ people as bus drivers from within the communities we serve - and we are also happy to receive applications from suitably qualified European citizens."

The company worked with a Polish training agency as part of the recruitment.

'Settling in'

Mr Hind said that the company appointed mentors to help the drivers settle in.

"We try to make the move as easy as possible in a welcoming environment and have involved local trades unions in integrating the drivers," he said.

"We have even organised social evenings and other events both in Poland and in the UK."