Newcomer Clare among nation’s top bus drivers

Clare Akehurst with her award

Chadderton bus driver Clare Akehurst has won third prize in the Top National Driver category of the NAtional Bus Awards.

Despite being a relative newcomer at First Bus, Clare’s high standards impressed the judges.

Clare joined First Bus’s Oldham depot in January but has already had eight commendations and countless thank-yous from passengers. She was also third in the Blackpool-based North-West Bus Driver of the Year finals in September.

After receiving her bronze award at the London Hilton, she said: “I was really shocked. To see a picture of myself come up on screen while they are talking about me was amazing.

“The whole day was such a great experience - but I’m definitely going for gold next time!”