UNION chiefs have kicked up a stink over a bus company rule which says drivers must wear a clean shirt every day.

Bosses at First Bus insisted today: "This is not about persecuting people or saying they smell."

But members of the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) in Bolton are refusing to follow the rules which also say staff must have well-manicured nails and polished shoes.

Tony Lewis, secretary of the Bolton branch of the TGWU said: "I can tell you now that members of this branch are not adhering to these policies. We will not be dictated to about what we can or cannot wear. It is ridiculous, they are trying to turn us into Burton models."

First Bus, which claims to be the country's largest bus operator, manages the bulk of services out of Bolton's Moor Lane bus depot.

Company chiefs circulated a copy of the new policy to staff at the beginning of the year, but details have just emerged.

Union chiefs claim the company has also introduced rules about the sort of make-up female drivers can wear and has imposed restrictions on wearing jewellery while on duty.

The Bolton Branch of the TGWU has almost 370 members. Mr Lewis said: "I understand that our colleagues in Bury are taking a similar stance to us. It is unnecessary to dictate to us what we can and cannot wear.

A spokesman for First said: "We want our people to look smart and well turned out and that includes personal hygiene. This is not about saying that anyone in particular smells."