Clare pulls out all the stops for bus Oscars

IN the driving seat: Clare Akehurst is a Top National Bus Driver finalist

A Chadderton bus driver is one of eight stand-out bus drivers nominated for a top accolade at this year’s UK Bus Awards.

Clare Akehurst has been nominated for the Top National Bus Driver title – one of 15 prizes for which her employer, First Bus, has been nominated.

Clare has made her mark since getting behind the wheel only 22 months ago: “This was such a surprise. Customer care is one of the most important things about this job and I just try to make sure I’m happy and friendly to all the passengers.”

Clare represented First at the Bus Driver of the Year Finals in Blackpool last month and her third place won her a place in the national finals.

A former retail manager at Iceland, Clare had always wanted to be a bud driver: “It was a big career change for me and it was quite scary to go into something completely different. But I have had such fantastic support from First Bus and to be nominated for something that I love doing has made me realise it was a great decision.”

Clare and her rivals will find out their award fate at a ceremony in London on November 18.