A leading Cheltenham-based laundry supplier is taking action to boost the number of delivery drivers in the industry by launching a driver academy.

Delivery drivers provide an essential part of CLEAN's business, delivering millions of pieces of linen and workwear to customers around the country.

CLEAN already employs 205 professional drivers across its eight UK sites, including its Hatherley Road laundry in Cheltenham.

But with the country facing a shortage of nearly 50,000 HGV drivers caused by a 25 per cent drop in new drier license acquisitions, CLEAN have developed their own driving acacemy.

The academy will run an induction course for new drivers as well as a dedicated training program for the existing workforce.

The one-day van driver and LGV training covers speed awareness, vehicle checks, safe loading, road craft, tachographs and other vital skills.

Applicants will then sit an exam paper with a 75 per cent pass rate required to be considered for a delivery job with CLEAN.

CLEAN will also encourage employees in other departments to join their 'Warehouse to Wheels' project that will provide on the job training.

Tim Bright, head of transport at CLEAN said: "The impact of the driver shortage is affecting many businesses across the UK in an economy that is reliant on the movement of heavy goods.

"As CLEAN continues on its growth trajectory, we are more dedicated than ever to providing opportunities to both our existing and future employees that serve CLEAN and the UK transportation industry as a whole.

"Our plan is to not only eliminate many of the challenges and obstacles that have led to this shortage, such as the financial costs of becoming a HGV driver.

"But also to provide high-quality training that will upskill our drivers to the benefit of the economy, as more qualified professionals strengthen the nation's workforce."