Two bus drivers based in Sheffield have been named by First Bus as its best in the North of England at a company awards ceremony held in Leeds recently. 

Daniel Graham, 32, and Michael Ferns, 55, both work out of First Sheffield’s Olive Grove depot, and have beaten over 5,000 drivers from across Yorkshire and Manchester to be crowned the best drivers at the 2015 First UK Bus Excellence Awards. 

Driver of the Year, Daniel Graham, only joined First Sheffield 20 months ago. From Brimington, Chesterfield, Daniel is nicknamed ‘Mr Smiley’ and First bosses hold him up as a fabulous ambassador for the company with numerous customer commendations. 

A close second but also well known for providing great customer service is Michael Ferms from Ecclesall. Mick, who has worked for First for nearly 35 years, was nominated by his colleagues for his consistent positive, helpful, flexible and friendly attitude. 

Peter Mair, Operations Manager at First in Sheffield said: “I’m incredibly proud of Daniel and Mick and all the Sheffield team. It's fantastic news to see their efforts recognised by being chosen as the best drivers across the North of England." 

Daniel Graham added, "This was such a wonderful surprise to be nominated by our colleagues for this Award. Mick and I are just two of the bus drivers at Sheffield doing our best for customers and these awards are a great inspiration for us all to continue working hard for our customers." 

The awards, sponsored by firm Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL), aim to recognise and celebrate the individuals and teams who are positively delivering for bus customers using First services across the country. The 'Driver of the Year' award was sponsored by Bridgestone.