A bus driver suspended for sending inappropriate ‘sex text’ messages to two teenage passengers has been allowed to return to work on the same route.

The man, who is in his 40s and works for Epsom Coaches, sent the messages to the girls, aged 15 and 16, via Facebook between July and November this year.

Although no criminal offence was committed, the man has been given ‘strong words of advice’ by Surrey Police officers following his 'inappropriate' messages.

Initially suspended, the man has since returned to Epsom Coaches working on the same bus route which both girls regularly used.

It is understood the man had known the girls previously through a family friend and did not meet them while working for Epsom Coaches.

The messages have been removed from Facebook and the incident has led the company to issue new advice to drivers.

John Ball, bus services manager at Epsom Coaches, said: “There was a full investigation and we have worked with the police and have gone through the procedures we needed to.

“The driver has been issued a formal warning and has apologised to the families involved.

“He has been warned and should anything else happen we would take further action but there’s nothing in the employees history as to why he should be removed from the route he operates.

“We have now given new advice to all our staff in light of this to make sure no further untoward comments bring them or the company into disrepute."

The bus driver was given the opportunity to change bus routes but chose to remain on his regular route.