Bristol City Council staff took the drastic action because they were unable to find enough drivers to deliver the meals using official vans.

There are 1,300 people in the city benefiting from the home meals delivery service and 1,420 at weekends.

Up to 600 of those are currently delivered by private taxi firms as the council social services department has 10 vacancies for weekday drivers and needs seven at the weekends.

Recruitment drive

The drivers are expected to work four hours daily, between 1030 GMT and 1430 and are paid £5.50 per hour.

A city council spokesperson said: "We are trying to resolve the problems of recruiting by advertising.

"We are also looking at other ways, like advertising on the side of vans.

"The revenue budget is something that is being constantly looked at."