Driver: Anyone know the way ?

Passengers on a Virgin rail replacement bus were shocked to be asked if any of them knew the way because the driver hadn't a clue. They laughed when a supervisor asked if any of the 30 on board could give directions.

But they saw he was serious when he added: "It will really help you as your driver is Polish, doesn't speak much English and he doesn't know the route."

One woman who knew ' the way volunteered to sit by the driver and give him directions throughout' the 20-mile journey. Passengers gave her a round of applause when the bus arrived in time for them to make their rail connections.

But some later branded the incident a disgrace.

Stephen Beech, 38, said: "It was lucky there were a couple of local people on the bus and one of them gave the driver directions as he clearly didn't have a clue. "It is disgraceful that a major firm like Virgin can employ a driver who doesn't know the route. Richard Branson should hang his head in shame."

Another passenger, Samantha Jones, 32, said: "I thought it was a joke before I realised the driver didn't know where he was going. It was embarrassing really. I was ashamed to be British. What would a tourist have made of all this? How did this driver get a job?"

Yesterday Virgin Trains said travel firm Fraser Eagle was running a coach replacement service for them over the weekend between Birmingham and Rugby because of track maintenance.

The spokesman said: "Fraser Eagle confirmed the driver on the Coventry to Rugby stretch on Saturday evening had problems communicating with the supervisor as to what was expected of him.

"They are investigating. We would expect the driver to know the route he is supposed to drive."