James on the road to success

A YOUNG bus engineer is preparing his acceptance speech and red carpet poses after being shortlisted for his industry’s Oscar equivalent.

James Wood (22), who’s based at First’s Oldham depot, in Wallshaw Street, beat off competition from thousands of others to be one of only two people up for the Engineer of the Year title.

The winner will be announced at the UK Bus awards, at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel, in London, on November 29.

First put him forward for the awards but it was James who made the difference by impressing a selection panel of bus engineering experts in London with his knowledge, skills and dedication.

“When I was told I was entered into these awards I just thought I would treat it as a learning experience and set out to just try my best,” said James.