We are pleased to announce that our very own James Kearney is in the running to be named the UK's best bus driver. 

James, who drives services in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire joined us in 2004 and is one of eight finalists in the Top National Driver category of the UK Bus Awards 2018, an award sponsored by Volvo. 

He will find out if he has won at a ceremony in London on 20 November. James was nominated for the national award after winning our really good service award for Driver of the Year in April this year. 

Sharon Bailey, operations manager at our Nottingham depot said: "He never has a bad day on the job. When driving he is so friendly with the customers. You only have to meet him to feel that you instantly have a relationship with him."

James has an unblemished record of zero accidents in the past three years and zero days off work. The mystery auditors who rode on his buses for our awards said James is "as good as it gets - and then some". 

Managing director, Jeff Counsell said: "Hugely deserved congratulations to James for making it the national finals. We believe he's that special he can go one better and bring the national prize home. 

"Our drivers have won the UK Bus Awards Driver of the Year title more times than any other company. There's a reason for that - our drivers are the best in the business and James embodies all that is great about our team." 

James said: "It's brilliant to get to a national final for doing a job I enjoy so much. I love working with the public."

Mark Yexley, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: "Our finalists not only demonstrate an impressive commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, but a personal dedication to the journey and service itself. It's a great achievement to reach the final and we wish James the very best of luck." 

In 2015 red arrow driver Carole Hind was crowned the first ever female winner of the UK Bus Driver of the Year.