CREWE’S Gordon Holmes is gearing up to go for the UK Bus Driver of the Year title.

Gordon, from Balterley, is one of two drivers selected to represent First in the national competition to be held in Blackpool over the weekend of September 6 and 7.

Hearing of his selection Gordon, who works at the First depot in Crewe said: "That's brilliant! I made it to the UK finals in 2006 and so I'll be calling on that experience to help me this year.

“It's a hard competition but it's also great fun competing against the best drivers from other bus companies across the country.

“It demands a lot of concentration and precise driving in a series of really tough tests based on situations drivers encounter in their everyday work.

“I'm really looking forward to it and everyone can be certain I'll be doing my utmost to bring the top prize back with me from Blackpool."

To qualify for the competition drivers must have an excellent driving record, with no 'at fault' incidents recorded in the previous 12 months.

Then they have to successfully complete a detailed Highway Code knowledge test and pass an 'on duty', covert driving assessment conducted by a driver trainer.

Speaking about Gordon's selection, Paul De Santis, commercial director for First's bus services in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire said: "Congratulations to Gordon. It's a real professional challenge to safely drive a bus on today's busy roads and provide the level of service that our customers demand.

“Gordon's a great example of that professionalism. We know he'll be going all out to lift the UK title and we all wish him great success in the Blackpool national competition."