Young bus driver on the road to success

CELEBRATION . . . bus driver Tim Clarke demonstrated his safe driving skills

A YOUNG Failsworth bus driver has proved himself one of the best in the country.

In what is considered the "Top Gear" of the bus world, Tim Clarke (22), from First Bus Greater Manchester, competed for the title of Bus Driver of the Year.

He demonstrated his professional and safe driving skills when put to the test against individuals from around the UK, beating hundreds of other drivers to finish seventh overall and the best in Greater Manchester.

Tim has been with the company for over three years, and at the time of joining, was First Manchester's youngest PCV driver.

He said: "As one of the youngest drivers to take part in the competition, I'm thrilled to have placed in the top 10 best bus drivers in the country. I'm currently working in the training department at First Manchester, as a Relief Driver Trainer, so I hope I'm able to inspire more of our drivers to take part in the competition in 2017, so we can bring home a win for Manchester next year!"

Teresa Broxton, managing director for First Greater Manchester, added: "We're thrilled to see that Tim has received recognition at this year's Bus Driver of the Year Awards. This is a fantastic achievement as it supports our continued focus to provide safe transport for customers across Manchester.

"Tim was certainly put through his paces during the high profile event, as he was tested on all aspects of his job, from practical driving skills, through to customer care and a theory test."