The rail union, Aslef, is tackling a growing shortage of train drivers by setting up a joint enterprise with the Virgin Trains Group.

Rail companies are struggling to fill hundreds of vacancies.

Now Aslef, the train drivers' union, and Virgin are to set up training schools, the BBC has learned. It is thought to be the first such co-operation between a union and an employer.

BBC Correspondent Simon Montague looks at the ground-breaking initiative (1' 45")

Train companies could be forced to cancel services because they cannot find enough drivers to handle their growing passenger and freight businesses.

An extra 2,000 drivers may be needed over the next eight years. The joint venture begins next year with schools in Glasgow, Crewe and London's Euston.

Virgin will buy high-tech driving simulators while Aslef will recruit specialist instructors.

Virgin also needs to retrain its own staff to drive its future fleet of high-speed tilting trains, while Aslef hopes the training centres will boost union membership.

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